The Messenger

February 1, 2025

Grace Upon Grace: The Gift That Transforms

In one of the most profound declarations of the Gospel, Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:4-10 that we are saved by grace through faith—a gift from God, not a result of our own doing. These verses capture the essence of the Christian life: we were once dead in sin, but now we are alive in Christ!

The Apostle Paul paints a stark contrast between our former condition and the immeasurable riches of God’s mercy. We were once walking in disobedience, following the ways of the world, and bound by sin. But then, Paul declares those two powerful words: "But God..."

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5). We did not seek out God—He pursued us. We did not earn His favor—He freely gave it. Wesleyan theology deeply emphasizes prevenient grace—that God was at work in our lives even before we realized it. His grace was drawing us, wooing us, calling us back to Him. This unearned, unmerited favor is what saves us. It is by grace alone that we have been rescued from sin and death, and this salvation is not of our own doing. We cannot boast, for salvation is entirely the work of God.

Created for Good Works

Yet, salvation does not leave us where it found us. Paul continues: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) Here we see the Wesleyan understanding of sanctification—that grace does more than save; it transforms. John Wesley taught that salvation is not simply about going to heaven but about being renewed into the likeness of Christ. God has not only saved us from something (sin and death) but for something—a life of holiness, service, and love to others.

As Methodists, we believe that faith is active. True grace encountered by the believer, always produces a changed life. The evidence of our salvation is not merely in a moment of decision but in a lifetime of discipleship. Paul says we are God’s workmanship—the Greek word here is poiēma, meaning a masterpiece, a work of art. Each of us is a unique creation, shaped by God's hands, not only to experience salvation but to live as an instrument of His grace in the world.

May the refining fire of God’s grace continue to shape us, and send us out through the power of the Holy Spirit to live as His hands and feet in the world. Grace upon grace—this is the gift of God!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tony

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

It's going to be another great morning of worship this Sunday as we meet at Lee-Scott at 9:30am. This week we'll gather around the Lord's table to share Holy Communion. This is always such a special time for our church family. Pastor Tony will share a message entitled "Grace for All" based on Ephesians 2:4-10. It is always a blessing to hear Pastor Tony bring the scriptures to life and apply Christ's teachings to our everyday lives.

Other worship highlights include special music by Mark Wilson and Will Mooty during communion, and our Christ Methodist Chorale. The Chorale will sing the timeless classic In This Very Room composed by Ron Harris. There are now more than 350 recordings and over a million copies of In This Very Room in print. Many wonder what inspired this beautiful anthem. The anthem reminds us that God's love and power are with us in any room we find ourselves: a cathedral, gymnasium, our living room, or hospital room. For Mr. Harris, the Lord put this song in his ear in a most unlikely place: a big, old, lonely hotel room at the Fairmont in New Orleans, Louisiana. He had been working in that very hotel as conductor for Carol Lawrence (Maria in West Side Story) for about a week. This particular night, after the show, he went back to his room and before going to bed he called home to talk to his wife and children in Los Angeles for a few minutes. During that conversation he longed to be home with them. That sense of loneliness and longing led to the composition of this song which has touched hearts for decades. We hope it will be a blessing to you on Sunday!

We look forward to welcoming you to worship on Sunday. Invite a friend and help them find a place to call home and experience the love and joy of the CMCA family.

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.

Youth Upcoming Events

Feb. 2nd - Sunday School led by Creighton Williams, AU Senior

10:45-11:10am

(LSA Middle School building)

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.

Upcoming CMCA Events

Sunday, February 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 Bowling Event (6-8pm) - Bowlero, Auburn

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Senior Adult Ministry Interest Meeting (9:00am) Auburn Chamber

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

Thursday, February 6, 2025

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

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

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Worship (9:30am) - LSA

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

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

Are you interested in connecting with others, growing in faith, and engaging in meaningful activities in our community and beyond? Join us for an interest meeting to discuss and plan the launch of a vibrant Senior Adult Ministry at CMCA! All senior adults (65+) are invited to join us at the Auburn Chamber building (714 E. Glenn Ave.) on Wednesday, February 5^th at 9am to share your ideas for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service opportunities tailored for our senior adults. Let’s build a ministry that celebrates wisdom, community, and the joy of honoring and serving God together!

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 under, 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!

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
• 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

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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:

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.

Sympathy:

We extend our deepest condolences to Betty Carroll and family upon the death of her brother, Clifton Kirkpatrick.

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

prayer@christmethodistauburn.com

Connect with us!

www.christmethodistauburn.com