“Following the Lord in Every Season”
This time of year, we pause to celebrate an important milestone in the lives of many of our young men and women in our community and beyond: graduation. Whether they are completing high school, college, or other educational pathways, our graduates stand on the threshold of a new chapter, full of possibility, promise, and yes—uncertainty.
To each graduate, let us first say: well done. Your perseverance, your diligence, and your faith have brought you to this moment. We rejoice with you and surround you with our prayers and encouragement. But even more important than the diplomas and accolades you have earned is the divine direction you now need. In the book of Exodus, the children of Israel were led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). This was no ordinary cloud—it was the visible presence of God going before His people, guiding them on a path they could not chart for themselves.
The journey ahead was unknown, the terrain unfamiliar, but they were never alone. So it is with you. The Lord, in His mercy, does not merely point toward a future and expect us to find our own way. Instead, He goes before us. In the words of the psalmist: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:24).
Graduates, you are now faced with choices: where to live, what to pursue, who to become. These are not just decisions about careers or degrees—they are decisions about calling, about vocation, and about living a life of holiness and service.
In the Wesleyan tradition, we understand that God is always at work through His prevenient grace, drawing us, prompting us, calling us closer to Himself. Your first calling is not to a profession but to a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. When you place your trust in Him and seek His will above all else, your path will be made clear. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Let this be the desire of your heart: not simply to find success, but to follow the Savior. He will not always show you the entire map, but He will lead you through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to your next step. And in each step, He will give you the grace sufficient for the day.
To all graduates, we know you need more than celebration - you need a community of faith that walks beside you as you discern the Lord’s leading. Let us also remember that the call to follow God’s cloud and fire is not just for the young. It is for all of us, at every age, in every season. Whether you are beginning your journey or nearing the end, the Lord still leads. The call to trust and follow remains constant.
So to every graduate, and to every believer: keep your eyes on the cloud, your heart tuned to His voice, and your feet ready to follow.
With joy and hope in Christ,
Pastor Tony
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Sunday Worship Service, May 18th @ 9:30am
It will be another great day as our CMCA church family joins for worship on Sunday. Pastor Tony will be sharing an inspiring message entitled "When God Leads the Way” based on Exodus 13:17-22. Each week, he challenges us to grow in our faith in such an encouraging and wonderful way. It’s so wonderful to leave worship each week feeling better equipped to follow the teaching of God’s Holy Word.
We’re excited to have the Children’s Chimes sharing in worship on Sunday. They’ve been working so hard. They’ll be presenting two pieces during the Prelude entitled “Celebrate!” and “Fairest Lord Jesus.” The Genesis Children’s Choir will also be singing on Sunday. They’ll be singing a poignant anthem entitled “God Will Take Care of You,” composed by Kris Crunk. It’s such a comfort to hear these young choristers sing the comforting text “Whatever you do, whoever you are, God will be there for you.” Another wonderful thing about Children’s Choirs is that through these faith-filled texts, children deepen in their faith journey with Jesus and take His message of salvation to the world.
Our Chorale will also be sharing a moving anthem entitled “Teach Me, Lord, to Wait.” This touching anthem incorporates two familiar songs, “They that Wait Upon the Lord” by Stuart Hamblen and the inspiring “On Eagle’s Wings” by Michael Joncas. This delightful pairing by composer Mary McDonald will be a blessing to you all.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 9:30am at Lee-Scott. We look forward to “raising you up on Eagle’s wings” through music and the spoken word!
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, May 18th
10:45am—Discovery Class - learn more about CMCA! (LSA Cafetorium)
Wednesday, May 21st
5:45pm—VBS Volunteer Meeting (Greystone)
Thursday, May 22nd
6:30pm—Star Spangled Spectacular Choir Kick-off Practice (Trinity Church, Opelika)
Wednesday, June 4th
6:30pm—Women’s Bible Study led by Kim Hendrix Skoneki and Jacquie Cruz
(Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight by Jennifer Rothschild)
Sign up today on our website or social media to save your place
for this life-changing, 7-session summer study. (Auburn Chamber - 714 E. Glenn Ave.)
Thursday, June 12th
6:45am—Men's Summer Bible Study begins (Auburn Chamber)
June 16th -19th
CMCA Vacation Bible School (Greystone)
Sign up today on our website or social media to save a spot for this
wonderful week of fun, fellowship and spiritual growth.
Sunday, June 29th
9:30am—Worship with "God & Country" music celebration (Lee-Scott gym)
3:00pm - Star Spangled Spectacular Concert (Lee-Scott)
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Youth Upcoming Events
10:45am - Sunday School
| | If you’ve been curious about Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, Wesleyan theology, our connection to Global Methodism, or how to take the next steps in your faith journey—this class is for YOU! We’ll cover topics like baptism, how to become a member, and how you can get involved in serving. Come discover all that CMCA has to offer! See you in the Lee-Scott Cafetorium! | | |
VBS Volunteers Needed!
If you are looking for summer fun, we have the place for you! Come volunteer for
Vacation Bible School. The theme this year is “True North--Trusting in Jesus in a Wild World.” The campers will hear about John preparing the way and baptizing Jesus, a Roman officer trusting Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and the great commission.
Volunteer Needs:
- Teachers to bring the lessons of Jesus to life
- Crew walkers who travel with groups for each of the daily stations
- Decorators to set the scene before and during Bible school
- Snack suppliers
- Snack sitters to hang out with our campers during snack time to allow crew walkers a quick break.
- Traffic attendants to help with drop-off and pick-up of children in the car line
- Clean-up crew to tidy up after each day
- Shoppers for VBS supplies
- Registration/Information table for daily check-in of campers
To volunteer, please contact Patti Robinson at 770-241-6669 or click on link below.
All volunteers will be required to complete Ministry Safe training.
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Connor Higbe - Student Ministry Pastor
The staff-parish relations committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Connor Higbe as our Student Ministry (7th-12th-grades) Pastor. Connor was born and reared in Montgomery, Alabama, and is passionate about discipleship, relationships, and helping the next generation grow in their faith. Connor played football for Huntingdon College and graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery. He's currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He comes to us from St. James Global Methodist Church in Montgomery where he serves as their student ministry pastor. Connor's first day on staff will be June 1st.
In Connor's words, "I’m passionate about creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and challenged to follow Christ with everything they’ve got. I believe I’m called to plant and grow Christlike relationships and to walk alongside students as they discover where God is calling them to make disciples in their own lives. Whether it’s leading a small group, planning a retreat, or simply showing up and being present, I believe life change happens through real connection and consistent love. I’m all about spending quality time with the people I love. Whether it’s hanging out with friends and family, being outdoors, playing sports, or hunting, I’m happiest when I’m sharing life and making memories with others.
People know me as fun, hardworking, and deeply committed to community. I thrive in places where we can laugh, grow, and do life together like family. I love what I do, and I’m excited to get to know y’all and grow with y’all."
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Charlotte McAlister - Finance Director
The staff-parish relations committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Charlotte McAlister as our Finance Director. Charlotte grew up in Lanett, Alabama. She moved to Auburn to further her education at Auburn University. She's a proud graduate with a Bachelor of Economics degree! After graduation, Charlotte moved to Atlanta and lived there for 13 years. She missed Auburn, moved back, and plans to retire here. She comes to us from AU Federal Credit Union where she worked for nine years. She is extremely excited to be a part of the CMCA family and looks forward to meeting everyone! Charlotte's first day on staff will be Monday, May 19th!
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Children's Choirs
We have choral musical opportunities for children from age 3 - 6th grade as well as handchimes for grades 4 - 6. Children grow in their faith, their God-given musical gifts, and relationships with each other through their choir participation. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 3:45 - 4:15 for Cherub Choir (ages 3 - Kindergarten), Genesis Children's Choir (grades 1 - 6) from 4:30 - 5:15, and for Handchimes (grades 4-6) from 5:15 - 6:00pm. Join us!
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Genesis Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
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The Star Spangled Spectacular is Coming
Kick-off Practice is Thursday, May 22nd @ 6:30pm (Trinity Church, Opelika)
We invite all singers to join us for the thrilling Star Spangled Spectacular, which will be held on Sunday, June 29th at 3pm in the Lee-Scott Academy gym. This is such a great opportunity for people who love to sing in the choir but perhaps can't do so on a year-round basis. Come one, come all. This year's music is going to be thrilling for the singers and the audience. Repertoire includes "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Cohan's Big Three," "America, the Beautiful," "Salute to the Armed Forces," "Simple Gifts," and many more patriotic and popular favorites. Friends, summer is a great time to sing, make new friends, and give thanks to God for our many freedoms. For further information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, 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, Judy Felkey, Sandra Fisher, Ernie Gentry, Harry Gill, Sherri Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Bobby Horne, Donna Kelly, Dianne Kroncke, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Bill and Kay McCartney, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, Larry Stanyard, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Ann Thompson, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann and Chuck Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jeff, son of Winsley and Linda Bates, mother of Linda Bates; Olivia Bechard, daughter of Amanda Hinson; 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; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Phil Hill, father of Lisa Leonard; Kitty Mayo, friend of Betty Mann; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Jim Perry, friend of Patti Robinson; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Chris Sramek; Laura Stanley, sister of John Stanley; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; 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
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
| | www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
