March 1, 2025

Living Out Genuine Love

Romans 12:9-13 is one of the most powerful exhortations in Scripture, calling us to embody Christ’s love in the way we live, serve, and interact with others. Paul’s words are a charge to the Church, reminding us that love is not merely a sentiment but a way of life, an active response to the grace we have received in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these verses, let us consider what it means to live out genuine love within our church and community.

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (Romans 12:9)

Love, in its truest form, is sincere and without hypocrisy. In a world filled with pretense and self-interest, we are called to be a people who love with authenticity. This means not just saying we love one another, but demonstrating it through our actions, words, and commitments. Genuine love is more than a fleeting emotion—it is rooted in truth and goodness. It calls us to reject what is evil, to turn away from divisiveness, hatred, and indifference, and instead cling to what is good, what is holy, and what is Christ-like.

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10)

The Church is not simply an organization—it is a family, united in Christ. Paul’s instruction here is both practical and profound. We are to care for one another as brothers and sisters, not as acquaintances. How different would our community look if we continually sought to honor one another, lifting each other up rather than seeking our own recognition? Imagine a church where we all strive to outdo one another in encouragement, in serving, in generosity, and in kindness. Such a culture would transform our relationships and magnify the love of Christ in our midst.

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:11)

Our faith is not meant to be passive. Paul calls us to be people of action, filled with passion for the work of God. Too often, complacency can set in, and we find ourselves going through the motions of faith rather than living with holy enthusiasm. When we truly serve the Lord, we do so with eagerness, recognizing that every act of love, every moment of worship, and every step of obedience is an offering to God. The world needs to see a church that is alive with the Spirit, a people who joyfully and faithfully serve the Kingdom.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

This verse speaks directly to the heart of our spiritual endurance. Life is filled with joys and struggles, but as followers of Christ, we are called to rejoice in the hope we have in Him. Even when circumstances are difficult, we remain steadfast in faith. Patience in suffering is a mark of spiritual maturity, and prayer is our lifeline to God. A praying church is a powerful church. When we commit to seeking the Lord in all things, we find the strength, wisdom, and peace needed to navigate life’s trials with grace.

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13)

The call to generosity and hospitality is a tangible expression of Christ’s love. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others. Whether it is through financial giving, acts of service, or simply offering a listening ear, we are invited to share what we have for the good of the body of Christ. Hospitality extends beyond our homes—it is a posture of the heart, a willingness to welcome, include, and care for others. In a world that can often feel isolating and fragmented, the Church should stand out as a place of belonging, where all are embraced with the love of Christ.

As we meditate on these verses, let us take them to heart and put them into practice. May Christ Methodist Church be known as a community where love is genuine, honor is given, zeal is present, prayer is unceasing, and generosity abounds. In living this way, we reflect the very heart of Christ to a world that desperately needs His love.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Tony

Worship Service, Sunday, March 2nd @ 9:30am

It's going to be another glorious morning of worship at Christ Methodist Church on Sunday, March 2nd. What a joy to gather around the Lord's table for Holy Communion as a family of faith. Pastor Tony has a marvelous message planned entitled "Clinging to Good" which will encourage us all in our faith based on Romans 12:9-13. What a gift he has for bringing the gospel to life.

Our Christ Methodist Chorale has been hard at work preparing an inspiring arrangement of "How Great Thou Art" arranged by Dan Forrest. This challenging work has become one of America's best selling arrangements of this beloved hymn, challenging and inspiring singers, accompanists, and congregations everywhere. You will be blessed by this powerful anthem. In addition they'll be singing a beautiful anthem entitled "Written in Red" by Gordon Jensen, during Communion. The chorus is so heartfelt and fitting to reflect upon: "I love you. I love you. That's what Calvary said. I love you. I love you. I love you, written in red."

We look forward to warmly welcoming you to worship on Sunday at 9:30 at Lee-Scott. Bring a friend to enjoy the blessings of our Christ Methodist Church family!

Passionate about sharing Jesus and making a difference? Join us for a mission trip to Quito, Ecuador, from June 21-28. We'll be offering construction, medical, and dental aid while also nurturing spiritual connections. We will be partnering with SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology) on all aspects of the mission trip. The trip will be organized in 3 serve teams: Construction, Medical/Dental, and Spiritual Care. You can choose a team that aligns with your passions and skills. The cost of the trip is approximately $2653 per adult (includes trip and all transportation). For children ages 11 and younger, the pricing is approximately $2364. All persons 20 and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

Please click the blue link below for more information and to reserve your spot.

The trip requires a minimum of 12 participants in order to take place.

Deadline to register is Monday, March 3rd!

Youth Upcoming Events

Sunday School with Youth Intern, Kaitlyn Hunter

10:45-11:30am

(LSA Middle School building)

Laity Training Summit - Montgomery, AL (POSTPONED)

The training session scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd at St. James Church in Montgomery has been postponed to a later date. We will announce the new date once it becomes available.

Upcoming CMCA Events

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Worship and Communion (9:30am) - LSA

Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA

Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone

Youth Pickleball Tournament (5pm) - Opelika Pickleball Courts

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Women's Bible Study - Revelation (9:30am) - Greystone

Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Worship Service w/ Imposition of Ashes (6:30pm) - 2060 Windway Rd. - the Barn

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber of Commerce

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Worship (9:30am) - LSA

Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA

Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Worship (9:30am) - LSA

Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA

"The Glory of Easter" Concert (3pm) - LSA

Join the Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church for a concise yet powerful lesson on Scriptural Holiness—the heart of our faith and mission.

CMCA Winter Bible Studies

(The Wednesday study will not meet March 5 due to the Ash Wednesday service. Meet at the Barn at 6:30pm!)

In addition, the J.O.Y. Bible study for women that previously met at Greystone on Mondays, is now meeting at Parkway Baptist Church at 9:30am on Mondays. They are studying Sandra Richter’s book, The Epic of Eden - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges.

Children's Choirs (Note: No rehearsal on March 12th due to spring break).

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! 

• Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
• Genesis Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
• Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm

Join the Christ Methodist Chorale

We'd love to have you sing with the Chorale as we are preparing a very special Glory of Easter concert on March 16 with two amazing guest musicians: composer and conductor Dan Goeller and also pianist Ian Mulder. With Mr. Goeller, we'll be presenting his iconic and moving collection In His Own Words which explores the many "I Am" phrases of Christ including "I Am the Light," "I Am the Resurrection," etc... as well as his arrangement of God So Loved the World considered by many to be one of the most beautiful arrangements of this text ever composed. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this work's composition.

Also joining us will be the amazing pianist, Ian Mulder, for the world premiere of a moving musical collection combining beloved hymns of the faith with iconic and beloved orchestral music by Sibelius, Beethoven, Faure, and many other beloved composers. This will be a moving experience for singers as well as the congregation. Joining us will be singers from many other churches. Don't miss this amazing musical journey as we enter the Lenten and Easter Season. 

For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

Join us for the Glory of Easter Concert on March 16th

Join us for a very special day of worship through music and the spoken word on March 16th as we present a very special morning worship service at 9:30am and a full Easter concert at 3:00pm.  The worship service and afternoon performance are completely different so you'll want to attend both to not miss either of these powerful experiences.  Musical guests will be internationally renowned Dutch pianist Ian Mulder and guest composer and conductor Dan Goeller. 

In the 9:30am worship service we'll be blessed to have our Chorale joined by our musical guests and full orchestra. The orchestra will play an inspiring prelude and postlude composed by Mr. Goeller and he will lead the choir in his arrangements of "God So Loved the World" and "Thank You Jesus for the Blood" which also features soloist Jacquie Cruz. Pianist Ian Mulder will also play his powerful and inspiring arrangement of "Amazing Grace" with the orchestra in the morning worship service. Topping off this incredible service of worship will be a message by Pastor Tony. Bring your family and friends for this high and holy worship service.

In the afternoon at 3:00pm, our choir, joined by guest singers from the community and the Prattville First Methodist Chancel Choir, will present a full Easter concert entitled, "The Glory of Easter." Within this concert, totally different from the morning service, Mr. Goeller will conduct the 20th anniversary performance of his glorious Easter work, “In His Own Words.” This anointed musical work features the words of Jesus' teaching leading up to his death and resurrection including the "I Am" phrases (I Am the Resurrection, I Am the Good Shepherd, I Am the Light, etc.)  This work includes moving narrations spoken by Mr. Mike Hubbard. 

Also in the afternoon performance will be the world premiere of Ian Mulder's choral/symphonic work entitled "Celebrated Choral Classics" which combines beloved hymns of the faith with orchestral masterworks by Beethoven, Sibelius, Grieg, and Faure. What an amazing opportunity to have the world premiere of this work right here in Auburn! 

Don’t miss this amazing Lenten musical experience. 

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.

If you have not received your 2024 Financial Giving Statement,

please contact the church office at 334-209-0074.

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:

Pam Baker, Zack Bumpus, Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Henry Cobb, Sandra Fisher, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Kathy Harte, Donna Kelly, Dianne Kroncke, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Ned Luce, Lynn Parker, Ron Patterson, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager

Extended Friends and Family:

Jeff, son of Winsley and Linda Bates; Mother of Linda Bates; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Ryan Chism; Son of Marcita and Tom Cooper; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Fred Lacy; 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; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Chris Sramek; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Lydia Steadham, relative of Judith Gibson; Niece of Frankie Stone; Family of Chad Wilbanks; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Chuck Dupree, Beverly Webster, and Martha Cauthen, friends of Sue Daniel

Sympathy:

We extend our deepest sympathy to the following:

Winsley and Linda Bates and family upon the death of Linda's father, Reginald Strickland

Jack Moseley and family upon the death of Lynn "Mo" Moseley

If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:

prayer@christmethodistauburn.com

Connect with us!

www.christmethodistauburn.com