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Grace That Runs the Race
Each May, our attention turns—if only briefly—to the spectacle and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby. With its unique traditions, colorful silks, and the thunder of hooves over Churchill Downs, the Derby captures more than sport: it tells a story of breeding, preparation, and the quest for glory. For a few minutes, the nation watches as horses born for speed and strength fulfill the purpose for which they were trained—to run and to win.
As Christians, we too are in a race—though not for a garland of roses or a moment of earthly fame. Ephesians 2:1–10 reminds us that we were not simply late out of the gate; we were dead on the track. Paul begins starkly: “You were dead in your trespasses and sins…” (v.1). Not lagging, not merely injured—but spiritually lifeless. No movement, no will, no strength. Our sin was not a minor setback; it was a total collapse. Like a jockey who misses the starting bell, we are stuck in the gate of disobedience, under the sway of the world, the flesh, and the devil (vv.2–3).
But then comes the grace. The voice of our Heavenly Father calls out. Not with judgment, but with mercy. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead… made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (vv.4–5). It is as if the fallen has been raised, the forgotten has been chosen, the broken has been healed. Christ did not merely offer a second chance at the race; He picked us up, set us on our feet, and by His Spirit, taught us to run with a new heart.
The image of the Kentucky Derby is fitting, for the Christian life is not a casual trot but a full sprint, empowered not by our own strength but by the grace of God. The best-trained thoroughbred cannot win without guidance, and no soul can cross the finish line of faith without divine intervention. We are not self-made winners. “It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (vv.8–9). In this, we find both humility and hope.
Yet Paul does not end with our salvation alone. Verse 10 crowns the passage: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This is our purpose—not to stand idle in the stables of grace, but to run the course laid before us with faithfulness. Like a Derby horse trained and guided for a singular goal, we too are crafted by the Master for the sacred race of righteousness.
In Wesleyan theology, we affirm both the saving and sanctifying work of grace. Justifying grace lifts us from death to life; sanctifying grace trains us to run well. We are not only saved from something—we are saved for something: to live as new creations, reflecting God’s glory in every stride.
So as the bugle sounds at Churchill Downs this week, let it be for us a reminder—not merely of a sporting tradition, but of a greater race and a higher calling. We were once without hope, but now we live and run because of Christ. Let us run—not aimlessly, not for earthly prizes—but for the joy set before us in Christ Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Grace has entered you in the race. The call to post has been played. Run well!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Tony
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Sunday Worship Service, May 4th @ 9:30am
What an exciting morning of worship awaits us on Sunday, May 4th at 9:30am. Sunday is a special day for our congregation as we welcome our very first Confirmation Class into the membership of our church family. What a special journey they have had with Pastor Tony and Joanna Reaves this spring. Following their confirmation, they will serve Holy Communion to the congregation as their first official act of service to their church family.
There are several musical highlights in the service as well, including a beautiful prelude based on the beloved hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" arranged by Mark Hayes, played by one of our hard-working volunteers, Michelle Reed. It's sure to be a blessing. Also, our Chorale will sing the moving anthem "At the Name of Jesus" by Cindy Berry, which reminds us that Jesus Christ is Lord and that at the very name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth. During Communion, Mark Wilson and his daughter, Jessica, will share the moving worship song, "The Goodness of God." It's always a treat to have them share their musical gifts with us.
Best of all, Pastor Tony will share a timely message entitled "Built for a Purpose" based on Ephesians 2:1-10. His message will challenge us all as we seek to live out our God-given purpose to live each day for Him!
We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday at 9:30 at Lee-Scott. It's going to be a great day!
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, May 4th
Worship & Confirmation Service @ 9:30am
Sunday School Classes @ 10:45am - LSA
Sunday, May 11th
Mother’s Day Celebration @ 9:30am
Sunday, May 18th
High School Senior Recognition Sunday @ 9:30am
Discovery Class (learn more about CMCA) @ 10:45am (LSA Cafeteria)
June 16th -19th
CMCA Vacation Bible School (registration to begin May 1st)
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Youth Upcoming Events
10:45am - Sunday School will be led by college interns, Matthew Blake and Kaitlyn Hunter
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High School Senior Recognition Sunday – May 18th @ 9:30am
On Sunday, May 18, during our morning worship service, we will honor and celebrate our 2025 high school graduates. In grateful thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, we invite all graduating seniors to be recognized before the congregation as they prepare to embark on new journeys of discipleship and service. If you are a parent of a graduating senior, please contact the church office no later than Sunday, May 4th, with your student’s name, school, and future plans (college, trade school, military, workplace, etc.). This information will help us to prepare a meaningful recognition—and to pray specifically for each senior’s next steps under Christ’s guidance. You may email the office (info@christmethodistauburn.com).
| | 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 there! | | |
An Evening of Faith, Fellowship, and Friendship –
CMCA Women’s Dinner
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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
We invite all singers to join us for the thrilling Star Spangled Spectacular, which will be held on Sunday, June 29th. 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, Tommy Stone, Nancy Teel, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, 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; 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; 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; 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
Known Hospitalized this week:
Ann Thompson, Bill McCartney
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
| | www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
