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“It's Halftime”
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" – Matthew 9:37–38 (NRSV)
We find ourselves halfway through another year. The summer sun shines for long hours each day, children are out of school, and many of us take time to rest, travel, or spend precious hours with family and friends. The rhythms of life begin to slow—but spiritually speaking, this season is far more than a pause. It is a time to prepare. A time to reflect. A time to reorient ourselves toward the harvest that is yet to come.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus looked upon the crowds with compassion. He saw not only their physical needs but their spiritual hunger. He turned to His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful.” That same truth remains today. Our world, our city, our neighborhoods—yes, even our own households—are full of people longing for truth, hope, and peace. The harvest is ready. But are we?
Summer gives us a moment to look back. What has the Lord done in your life over the past six months? Where have you seen His faithfulness? Where has He gently corrected, comforted, or called you deeper?
At CMCA, we’ve already seen a powerful movement of God this year. Our Lenten journey prepared our hearts for Easter joy. Our confirmation class stood before the church to profess their faith. We’ve expanded our mission outreach, grown our prayer ministry, launched new Bible studies, and invested deep into our student ministry. These are not small things. They are signs of a harvest beginning to take root. But we must ask: What is God preparing us for next?
June is an ideal time to recommit to this journey. As families travel and calendars shift, make sure your soul stays anchored. Return to the Word. Renew your devotional life. Reconnect with a small group. Pray daily, not just for your needs, but for the church, the lost, and the Kingdom.
Jesus said, “Ask the Lord of the harvest.” Let us be a church that prays for the lost and also volunteers to go out and reach them.
Soon, fall will arrive, and with it will come the re-engagement of rhythms—school schedules, ministries, Bible studies, making new disciples, and outreach efforts. This summer is our time to get ready—not just administratively, but spiritually.
Here are three practical ways you can prepare this summer for the harvest ahead:
- Renew Your Walk with Christ.
- Make time for personal prayer and Bible reading. Consider reading one Gospel slowly and prayerfully over the summer months.
- Where is God calling you to serve in the life of the church? Children’s ministry? Hospitality? Prayer team? Outreach? There is no harvest without laborers.
- Invite a neighbor to church. Check in on a member you haven’t seen in a while. Share a word of encouragement. Be bold in your witness.
In all of this, we remember that the harvest does not depend on us alone. We are not the Savior. But we are His hands and feet. He is the Lord of the harvest—and when we are willing, available, and faithful, He will do more than we could ever imagine.
As your pastor, I thank God for each of you. I see a people who love Jesus, serve with humility, and hunger for righteousness. I truly believe that God is preparing us for a mighty season of ministry in the months to come. So let us press on. Let us be renewed. And let us be ready for the harvest.
Pastor Tony
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Sunday Worship Service, June 22nd @ 9:30am
We can't wait to gather with you this Sunday at Lee-Scott for worship! Every time we come together is such a blessing, and this week is extra special as we celebrate the joy-filled journey of Vacation Bible School. It's been an inspiring week, and we’d love for you to come hear all about it!
Pastor Tony's message will be "Righteousness Exalts a Nation" based on Proverbs 14:32-34. What a gift Pastor Tony has for bringing God's Holy Word to life.
In addition to the VBS children sharing in song, our Chorale will lift their voices in the beautiful anthem “How Firm a Foundation” arranged by Mack Wilberg. This stirring rendition of a cherished hymn reminds us of God's unwavering presence—He will never leave us or forsake us.
Join us at 9:30am at Lee-Scott. It's sure to be another uplifting morning of worship, community, and celebration!
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, June 22nd
10:45am— Church-wide Ministry Safe Training (Lee-Scott Cafeteria)
If you volunteer, or plan to in the future, with children, youth, or adults at CMCA and are not Ministry Safe certified, please make plans to attend this one hour event.
Tuesday, June 24th
6:00pm—Missions Team Meeting (Greystone)
Wednesday, June 25th
6-8pm - Student Mid-week Connect and Worship (Greystone)
6:30pm—Women's Summer Bible Study (Auburn Chamber)
Thursday, June 26th
6:45am—Men's Summer Bible Study (Auburn Chamber)
Noon - Youth trip to Callaway Beach
Sunday, June 29th
9:30am—Worship with "God & Country" music celebration (Lee-Scott gym)
3:00pm - Star Spangled Spectacular Concert (Lee-Scott)
Monday, June 30th
9:30am— Legacy Women, formerly Widows Ministry (Chappy's Deli)
RSVP to Nancy Flurry at 334-559-1136 by Friday, June 27th
Sunday, July 6th
NO WORSHIP SERVICE OR SUNDAY SCHOOL due to gym floor maintenance.
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Important: Church-Wide Ministry Safe Training
June 22nd, 10:45am (LSA Cafeteria)
CMCA is hosting a group Ministry Safe training session on June 22nd at 10:45am in the Lee-Scott Cafeteria for those interested in serving with our children, youth, or vulnerable adults. We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment, and all staff and volunteers must complete the Ministry Safe training before participating in our programs. The training includes a one-hour video, followed by a short test to earn certification.
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday, June 22nd @ 10:45am - Sunday School with Connor Higbe
Wednesday, June 25th @ 6pm - Mid-week Connect and Worship (dinner provided)
Thursday, June 26th - Callaway Beach Day
Youth Parents!
Please click the link below to sign up to provide dinner for our
youth on Wednesday evenings for Connect and Worship!
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Callaway Gardens Beach Day Trip
June 26th
Join us for our first summer day trip as we head to Callaway Gardens to enjoy their beautiful beach! Robin Lake Beach is a perfect spot for a fun day in the sun, and it’s not three hours away! We will hang out on the beach and live it up; in addition to this we will enjoy Aqua Island, the giant inflatable in the middle of the lake! Make sure to sign up for a day of fun with your friends! We’ll send a confirmation email with all the details you need, including a packing list. If you'd like to come, be sure to click the button below to sign-up!!
| | CMCA Summer Bible Studies | | |
God and Country Worship and Star Spangled Spectacular
Sunday, June 29th
The biggest musical event of the summer is next week! Join us for a thrilling, patriotic-focused worship service at 9:30am with special music by the Festival Chorus and full orchestra. You don't want to miss this inspiring God and Country worship service!
At 3:00pm be sure to come back for the Star Spangled Spectacular Symphonic Pops Concert. This high-energy performance is great for all ages. Included will be the moving salute to the U.S. Military branches. Musical highlights include all your favorites: "America, the Beautiful," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Simple Gifts," "Cohan's Big Three," "God Bless America," "God Bless the USA," and many more, including "Stars and Stripes Forever." Admission is free. What a great day to bring a friend.
You'll also be the first to hear the exciting announcement of the 2025-26 Sacred Artists Series performers. You'll never believe the amazing lineup the Lord has helped orchestrate, which will inspire the entire community throughout the year, not just at Christmas.
We look forward to seeing you next week for the God and Country worship service at 9:30 and the Star Spangled Spectacular Symphonic Pops at 3:00pm at Lee-Scott. God Bless America!
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BIG HOUSE
Annual School Supply Drive
CMCA will be collecting school supplies from now through July 9th for the Big House Annual School Supply Drive. You may drop your supplies off in a collection box during the week at our Greystone Ministry and Mission Center or on Sundays at Lee-Scott. For a list of supplies needed, please click the button below. We greatly appreciate your support of this ministry!
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Summer Music Camp
This summer, we’re excited to host a Summer Music Camp for children entering first through sixth grade! Join us every Wednesday from 4:15 to 5:30 for a lively and engaging musical experience. Kids will enjoy singing, playing handchimes, exploring music notation, developing rhythm skills, and building friendships—all while enjoying a snack each week. We kicked things off last week and had a fantastic time, and we’d love for your children to be part of this fun-filled summer adventure.
For more details, reach out to Gary Klarenbeek at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
| | As we give from the heart, we sow seeds into God's kingdom. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Our giving will bring a harvest of blessings beyond what we can imagine. | | |
Congregational Care
As a caring community of believers, we commit the names listed below
for your prayers and expressions of love and care:
CMCA Family:
Zack Bumpus, Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Henry Cobb, Don and Betty Dement,
Sandra Fisher, Harry Gill, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Jeff and Kathy Harte, Renee Hebson,
Bobby Horne, Ben and Donna Kelly, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Bill and Kay McCartney,
Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Ann Thompson, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, and Bill Wilkinson
Extended Friends and Family:
Jeff, son of Winsley and Linda Bates; Mother of Linda Bates; Sandy Bogardus, family of Pat Evans; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Ryan Chism; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Bryan Fikes, son of Sherry Roby; Rick Freeman, friend of Sam and Cassie Walter; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Kitty Mayo, friend of Betty Mann; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; DeWitt and Mary Mullins, friends of Sue Daniel; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Jim Perry, friend of Patti Robinson; Chris Sramek; Laura Stanley, sister of John Stanley; Chuck Dupree, Beverly Webster, and Martha Cauthen, friends of Sue Daniel; friends from Webster’s Crossing - Calvin Calhoun, James Nelson, Denise Owens, Rosalio Bonilla Villatoro
Sympathy:
We extend our deepest sympathy to Mark Thompson and family upon the death of his father,
Jim Thompson.
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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