The Messenger
February 8, 2025
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Jesus Calls Us to Be Salt and Light
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These two powerful images challenge us as believers to live in such a way that we influence the world for the glory of God. At Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, we take this calling seriously as we seek to worship, grow, serve, and multiply in our faith.
Salt: Preserving and Enhancing the World
Salt in the ancient world was valuable for its preserving qualities and its ability to enhance flavor. Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), emphasizing that we are to be agents of preservation in a world that is decaying due to sin. Just as salt prevents food from spoiling, our presence in the world should bring moral integrity, love, and godly influence to our families, communities, and workplaces.
But Jesus also warns that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer useful. This reminds us that our faith must remain active and vibrant. When we neglect our calling, when we blend into the culture rather than standing firm in Christ, we lose the impact we are meant to have. As believers, we are called to maintain our distinctiveness, remaining faithful in our commitment to Christ’s teachings.
Light: Shining for the Glory of God
Jesus then shifts the metaphor: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). Light is essential—it dispels darkness, provides guidance, and reveals truth. In the same way, our lives should reflect the light of Christ so that others may see the hope and transformation that comes through Him.
A key aspect of being light is living in such a way that our good works point people to God. Jesus says, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). This is not about self-promotion or seeking praise, but about directing others toward the goodness of God. When we serve with love, speak truth with grace, and extend kindness to those in need, we become beacons of Christ’s light in a world that desperately needs Him.
Living as Salt and Light in Auburn
At Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, we are committed to living out this calling in practical ways. Whether through serving our neighbors, supporting local businesses, encouraging students, or praying for our city leaders, we desire to bring the flavor of Christ’s love and the brightness of His truth into every aspect of our community.
This calling is not just for pastors or church leaders—it is for every believer. Wherever God has placed you, you are meant to make a difference. Whether in the classroom, the office, or within your own home, you have the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and truth.
May we take seriously this high calling and boldly live as Christ’s witnesses in the world. Let us encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith, bringing glory to God through our words and actions. At Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, we are here to walk this journey together. Let us continue to be salt and light, making an eternal impact for the Kingdom of God.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tony
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Worship Service, Sunday, February 9th @ 9:30am
It's going to be a great day as we join together for worship on Sunday at Lee-Scott. Pastor Tony will be delivering an inspiring and insightful message based on the familiar scripture, Matthew 5:13-15. “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
The music will support the spoken word in a wonderful way. The anthem our Chorale will share will warm your heart. It is based on the heartfelt song "You Light Up My Life" made famous by Debbie Boone in 1977. Although originally conceived as a secular song, over time it has become known almost like a secular anthem similar to "You'll Never Walk Alone" or "Climb Every Mountain" because there are such sacred overtones in the text. Composer Tom Fettke took the arrangement one step further by pairing it with the classic hymn, "Be Thou My Vision" which provides an even richer spiritual dimension. Also, Jacquie Cruz and Gary Klarenbeek will share a creative arrangement based exactly on the scripture for the day entitled "You Are the Salt and Light" by Pepper Choplin. Choplin's arrangements are always fresh and creative and help bring scripture to life in a wonderful way.
We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday for worship at 9:30am!
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ATTENTION INTERESTED PARENTS OF 6TH-8TH GRADERS!
Below is a link to the Google form requesting your input for some of the important dates (i.e. retreat and final confirmation service). Please fill this out and submit ASAP to help guide our ministry planning.
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School led by Matthew Blake, A.U. student intern
10:45-11:10am
(LSA Middle School building)
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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 Friday, February 14th!
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CMCA Winter Bible Studies | |
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. | |
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (9:30am) - Greystone
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Widows' Ministry Meeting (10:00am) - Greystone
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (6:30pm) - Greystone
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Sundays, February 16 & 23, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone
Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Worship Service w/ Imposition of Ashes (6:30pm) - 2060 Windway Rd. - the Barn
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Children's Choirs
All of our children's choirs have resumed for 2025 and we'd love for your child to join us. 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 relationship 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
Join the Christ Methodist Chorale
We'd love to have you sing with the Chorale as we prepare a very special Glory of Easter concert 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. We start rehearsals on Thursday, February 13th.
For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
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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. | |
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Laity Training Summit - Montgomery, AL
The Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the GMC is thrilled to announce a Laity Training Summit on March 2nd, from 2-5pm, at Saint James Church in Montgomery. This engaging event aims to inspire and equip lay leaders for impactful ministry. Attendees will receive practical tools, valuable resources, and uplifting encouragement to help them excel in their roles as lay leaders. For more information and to register, click below.
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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, Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Luke Chastain, Henry Cobb, Pat Douglas, Sandra Fisher, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Kathy Harte, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, 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; Parents of Linda Bates; Lorene Bates, relative of Wanda Ptomey; 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; Kristi Ludwig Kline and family, Chuck and Annette Ludwig’s daughter; 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; Stephanie and William Philpott, Gayla Sellers' daughter and son-in-law; Dan Pope, Dannell Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Lydia Steadham, relative of Judith Gibson; Chad Wilbanks; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Chuck Dupree and Martha Cauthen, friends of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel.
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
