The Messenger

Becoming a New Creation in Christ

As we step into a new year, we are reminded of the fresh start God offers us through Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 resonate deeply:


"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."


What a powerful reminder that in Christ, our past mistakes, failures, and sins are not the final word. God’s grace works in us to transform and renew, inviting us to step boldly into a new way of living—a way that reflects His love, hope, and peace.


To be a new creation means more than just personal renewal; it means participating in God’s mission of reconciliation. Paul reminds us that God has entrusted us with this ministry—to share the good news of Jesus and to embody His love in our relationships, workplaces, and communities. As we embrace this calling, let us approach the year ahead with hearts open to God’s work in and through us.


Paul continues in verses 18-21, teaching that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation. As a new creation, we are not only called to receive God’s grace but also to share it with others. We are entrusted with the mission of being Christ’s ambassadors, living out His love and inviting others to experience the same transformative grace.


A Call to Prayer

In the spirit of reconciliation and care for others, I ask that we join together in prayer for those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. Many have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and even loved ones. Let us lift up those who are grieving, the first responders and aid workers who serve tirelessly, and the communities struggling to rebuild. May God’s presence bring comfort, strength, and hope to all who are suffering.


Finally, as we begin this year, I encourage you to grow in your faith by joining one of the many Bible studies that kick off this week at Christ Methodist Church. Whether you are new to studying Scripture or have journeyed in faith for years, there is a place for you. These studies offer not only an opportunity to deepen your understanding of God’s Word but also a chance to build meaningful connections with others. Let this be the year you take a step forward in your spiritual growth and discover the joy of being part of a supportive, Christ-centered community.



As a church, we are called to live as a people of hope and compassion. Let us step into this new year with renewed hearts, open hands, and a prayerful spirit, trusting that the God who makes all things new will work through us for His glory.


In Christ’s love,

Pastor Tony

Worship Service, Sunday, January 12th @ 9:30am

 

It's going to be a wonderful day of new beginnings as we join for worship at Lee-Scott on Sunday morning. This week's message is entitled "A New Year, A New Creation" based on 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. During this time of new beginnings in a New Year, we know you'll be blessed and inspired to grow in your walk with the Lord in 2025.


Our Christ Methodist Chorale has prepared two marvelous anthems that will carry out the theme of new beginnings in a New Year. The first one is entitled "I Will Make All Things New" composed by one of our very favorite composers, Mary McDonald. It is based on the scripture Isaiah 43:1-19. The soaring harmonies based on this powerful text will touch you in a wonderful way. Also, the Chorale will be singing a beautiful arrangement by Benjamin Harlan based on the wonderful hymn tune, "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light." The text ends with a tender prayer for the Lord to shine in our hearts as we seek to grow in our relationship with Him in this new year. We hope to see you all at 9:30am at Lee-Scott as we grow in our faith walk with the Lord in 2025!


CMCA Confirmation Class Interest Meeting - Sunday, January 12 @ 10:45am

(LSA Cafeteria)

At CMCA, our Confirmation program will provide an opportunity for students to explore their Christian faith alongside other youth in a fun, relevant and engaging way. Our focus is on helping each young person learn about God’s unconditional love and amazing grace through experiencing Scripture, conversation, and serving alongside of each other while also learning about the history and traditions of the church. This year, we will offer this class to students in 6th-8th grades, and encourage students and parents to attend the interest meeting to learn more about this exciting spiritual growth opportunity. We plan to start confirmation in early February and conclude with a Confirmation Service on Sunday, April 27th. For more information or to volunteer to assist with this impactful ministry,

contact Pastor Tony (tony@christmethodistauburn.com).

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, starting 1/13/25.

Staff Addition - Welcome, Amanda Hinson!

The staff-parish relations committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Amanda Hinson as our Executive Administrator. Amanda came to us from St. James Methodist Church in Montgomery where she was a vital part of their staff for six years as the Executive Administrative Assistant to Pastors. The past three years she also worked as the Executive Assistant for the Alabama / Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church, in which she oversaw the financial processes and organized the first two annual conferences for more than 500 pastors and laity. Amanda lives in Auburn and has been married for nine years to her wonderful husband, Murray. They have four children - Taylor (26) and his wife Jordynn; Miller (21), Olivia (20) and Ansley (19). She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Her greatest joy, however, comes from serving others. Amanda began her work with us on January 6, and is overseeing our administrative tasks for the pastoral and program staff and ministry areas.

Upcoming CMCA Events

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Worship (9:30am) and Sunday School (10:45am) - LSA

Confirmation Interest Meeting (10:45am) - LSA

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Women's Bible Study - Revelation (6:30pm) - Greystone

Thursday, January 16, 2025

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

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Worship, Baptism (9:30am) and Sunday School (10:45am) - LSA

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Worship, Baptism (9:30am) and Sunday School (10:45am) - LSA

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

Youth Upcoming Events

Sunday School led by youth intern Matthew Blake, AU freshman

January 12th from 10:45-11:10am

(LSA Middle School building)

Link to Sign-Up Form to Volunteer for Youth Ministry Events
Link to Apply for Staff Position - Director of Youth Ministry

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! 


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


Join the Christ Methodist Chorale

Now is the perfect time to join our growing Christ Methodist Chorale. The beginning of a semester is the most relaxed time to join. What an exciting Spring it's going to be. In addition to singing for worship we'll be preparing a very special Glory of Easter concert with two amazing guest musicians, Dan Goeller and also pianist Ian Mulder. With Mr. Goeller, we'll be presenting his iconic and moving collection "In His Own Words" which explore 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

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.

Click Here to Make Your Online Gift to Support CMCA

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:

Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Luke Chastain, Pat Douglas, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, Lynn Parker, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Mark Waldrip, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager


Extended Friends and Family:

Tim Boosinger; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Adam Cannon's (one of our New Birth helpers) brother; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Matthew Hood; Justin Johndrow, Sean Canaan's cousin; 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; Sandy Robinson, Wanda Ptomey's cousin; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson; 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

Click Here for Info on How to Serve Through our Congregational Care Team

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