May 10, 2025

A Legacy of Faith

This Mother’s Day, we pause to honor the sacred vocation of motherhood and all who nurture faith in our homes and communities. In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes with tender gratitude, “I thank God—whom I serve, as my ancestors did— with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. …I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:3–5). From these verses we learn that our call to leave a legacy of faith flows from the very heart of God’s purposes: we are heirs of a spiritual heritage that began before us, and through our witness the fire of holiness is kindled anew in each generation.


We leave a legacy of faith because God’s redemptive story transcends our individual lifetimes. He “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). In Wesleyan understanding, prevenient grace draws us into God’s family, and through sanctifying grace we grow in Christlikeness. Just as Lois and Eunice invested in Timothy’s faith, so we too are entrusted with the means of grace—prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, and holy conferencing—which we model for our children and spiritual protégés. By faithfully practicing these disciplines, we ensure that the light of Christ shines brightly in generations yet to come.


But how do we practically hand on this heritage? It begins with our home life, where parents and guardians weave Scripture and prayer into ordinary moments. When sharing meals together, we pause to give thanks and to speak aloud the truths of God’s faithfulness; at bedtime, we reflect on the day’s celebrations and failures, inviting our children to turn away from wrong behaviors, to receive forgiveness, and to trust anew in Jesus (1 John 1:9). In doing so, we teach them that faith is not merely a set of instructions or rules, but a living relationship sustained by honest conversation with God and seeking His steadfast mercy.


Within our church family, this legacy flourishes through intergenerational relationships. When seasoned mothers open their homes or meet over coffee to share stories of God’s grace, they impart not only biblical knowledge but also the confidence that comes from lived experience. By mentoring younger women in Bible study and prayer groups, we mirror the pattern of Titus 2, building up the Body of Christ in love and good deeds. Corporate worship—rich in hymnody, expository preaching, and the sacraments—anchors us in the grand narrative of God’s people, reminding us that we stand not only with those present but with “all the saints” who have gone before (Hebrews 12:1).


Our influence also extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary into the broader community and world. Women who open their hearts to newcomers, feed the hungry, or advocate for vulnerable families embody Christ’s compassion (Matthew 25:35–40). When we engage our neighborhoods with intentional acts of kindness—offering a listening ear or providing practical support—we bear witness to the Gospel in concrete ways. And when we invest in global missions, whether through prayer, financial support, or hands-on service, we partner with God in fulfilling the commission to be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).


On this Mother’s Day, may every mother, grandmother, and spiritual mentor find renewed joy in the knowledge that the seeds of faith you have sown will yield a harvest for eternity. As Paul reminds us, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Be encouraged that the Lord, who began this good work in you, is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). May the legacy you leave be one of unwavering hope, sacrificial love, and steadfast holiness—so that long after we are gone, our children and their children will continue to proclaim, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise!” (Psalm 145:3).


Grace be with you all,

Pastor Tony

Sunday Worship Service, May 11th @ 9:30am


We hope you'll join us for worship on Sunday as we continue to celebrate the joy of the risen Christ! We will also be observing Mother's Day. There will be a rose for all the women on Sunday in appreciation of all you mean to our church and community of faith. Pastor Tony will be sharing a wonderful message entitled "A Legacy of Faith" based on 2 Timothy 1:3-10. How we appreciate Pastor Tony bringing God's word to life for us each week in a Biblically based, relevant way.


There are also some special musical highlights on Sunday. Our Voices in Bronze Handbell Choir will be ringing on Sunday. They always start our worship time in a joyful and celebrative way. They'll be playing two pieces based on familiar hymn tunes. The first is based on the hymn "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" by Kevin McChesney. Its bold use of dissonance, and many unique handbell techniques will bring us into God's place of worship in a triumphant way. Next, they will play the more reflective "Hymn of Promise" composed by Natalie Sleeth and arranged by Janet Linker and Jane McFadden, which is beloved by so many of us. Its text is so profound as it reminds us of the promise of eternal life. Our Chorale will share a marvelous Mary McDonald arrangement of a favorite hymn tune, "Because He Lives." What a great anthem to keep the joy of the risen Christ alive! In a special tribute to Mother's Day, Jacquie Cruz and her son, Jackson, will share a poignant song called "Like a Mother's Love." It's sure to warm your heart as we think of our mothers and other women who have been instrumental in pouring life, love, and God's Holy Word into us over the years.


We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at Lee-Scott at 9:30am!

Upcoming CMCA Events


Sunday, May 18th 

9:30am—High School Senior Recognition Sunday 

10:45am—Discovery Class (learn more about CMCA) 


Thursday, May 22nd 

6:30pm—Star Spangled Spectacular Choir Kick-off Practice (Trinity Church, Opelika)


Wednesday, June 4th 

6:30pm—Women’s Bible Study led by Kim Hendrix Skoneki and Jacquie Cruz 

(Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight by Jennifer Rothschild) 

Sign up today on our website or social media to save your place 

for this life-changing, 7-session summer study. (Location to be announced)


June 16th -19th 

CMCA Vacation Bible School (Greystone)

Sign up today on our website or social media to save a spot for this

wonderful week of fun, fellowship and spiritual growth. 



Sunday, June 29th 

9:30am—Worship with "God & Country" music celebration (Lee-Scott gym) 

3pm - Star Spangled Spectacular Concert (Lee-Scott)

Youth Upcoming Events

10:45am - Sunday School

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!

VBS Volunteers Needed!


If you are looking for summer fun, we have the place for you! Come volunteer for

Vacation Bible School. The theme this year is “True North--Trusting in Jesus in a Wild World.” The campers will hear about John preparing the way and baptizing Jesus, a Roman officer trusting Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and the great commission.


Volunteer Needs:

  • Teachers to bring the lessons of Jesus to life
  • Crew walkers who travel with groups for each of the daily stations
  • Decorators to set the scene before and during Bible school
  • Snack suppliers
  • Snack sitters to hang out with our campers during snack time to allow crew walkers a quick break.
  • Traffic attendants to help with drop-off and pick-up of children in the car line
  • Clean-up crew to tidy up after each day
  • Shoppers for VBS supplies
  • Registration/Information table for daily check-in of campers


To volunteer, please contact Patti Robinson at 770-241-6669 or click on link below.

All volunteers will be required to complete Ministry Safe training.

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! 


  • 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



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

The Star Spangled Spectacular is Coming

Kick-off Practice is Thursday, May 22nd @ 6:30pm (Trinity Church, Opelika)


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:

Phil Hill (father of Lisa Leonard)



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

prayer@christmethodistauburn.com

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