During this time of Lent, it’s natural to feel weary and discouraged along our journey; but we must keep the faith. This week, may you find comfort in the example of Christ’s loving guidance, and trust that He will quench the thirst of your worldly despair with the gift of everlasting life.
Sunday, March 7
“But whomever drinks the water I shall give shall never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
Key thought:
So many people are thirsty: physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Suggested practice:
Pray that God will bless the thirsty with renewed faith, and quench their suffering with the knowledge of His love. At the same time, say a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus, who willingly gave His life for us.
God, our Father, You redeemed us and made us Your children in Christ. Through Him, You have saved us from death and given us Your divine life of grace. By becoming more like Jesus on earth, may I come to share His glory in Heaven. Give me the peace of Your kingdom, which this world does not give. By Your loving care protect the good You have given me. Open my eyes to the wonders of Your love that I may serve You with a willing heart. Amen.
Monday, March 8
“But He said, ‘Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.’” Luke 4:24
Key thought:
Would you recognize Jesus if He lived in your midst? Do you always agree with those who preach His word, or accept their wisdom as His truth?
Suggested practice:
Today, resolve to respect those who act as God’s instruments and open your heart to whatever message they may send you.
Tuesday, March 9
“…'Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” Matthew 18:21-22
Key thought:
There is no limit to Jesus’ capacity to forgive. And, just as we ask for His mercy in our own lives, we must strive to offer our own forgiveness freely, even to those who repeatedly trespass against us.
Suggested practice:
Set aside some time to reflect upon forgiveness and how you can better practice it. Ask yourself, “What relationship(s) might be healed if I freely forgive?”
Wednesday, March 10
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
Key thought:
When Jesus arrived in this world, He brought with Him a new way to approach and live the Ten Commandments: with love. Love for ourselves, for our neighbors, for our enemies, and for God above all else. When love motivates all we do, fulfilling the Commandments becomes almost easy!
Suggested practice:
Resolve to move beyond your obligations to fulfill the letter of the Church’s Laws. How can you more fully live Jesus’ Law of love? Take a few moments to write out your thoughts, and refer back to them when you need a refresher.
Thursday, March 11
“Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.” Luke 11:23
Key thought:
Jesus asks us to be 'all in' in our faith—to believe in Him unconditionally because He loves us so much.
Suggested practice:
Have there been times when you’ve paid lip service to your faith, but not exactly lived it in the way Jesus intended? Do you attend Mass and listen to the homily, yet take to heart only the lessons you like? Reflect on ways you can improve, and more fully welcome Him into your midst.
Friday, March 12
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Key thought:
Of all of Jesus’ requests, empathy for others is the most important one to honor after loving God above all else.
Suggested practice:
Choose one small act of kindness and perform it for someone else today.
Saturday, March 13
“…for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Key thought:
Humble gratitude is one of the straightest paths to true happiness.
Suggested practice:
Reflect on the many gifts that God has given you, and any advantages—however small—you have enjoyed in your life. Ask God for the ability to accept these things with humility, and to quietly share them with others with no fanfare or self-congratulation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Easter Egg Hunt will be Sunday, March 28 following morning worship. We are collecting donations of eggs filled with candy.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE: Our Good Friday service with Dr. Steve Hoskins will be Friday, April 2 at 6:00 pm.
SAVE THE DATE: Old Hickory Women’s Retreat with guest speaker Lisa Miller-Rich will be May 21-23 at Oasis Christian Center.
OLD HICKORY WOMEN'S MINISTRY FUNDRAISER: Help us raise money for our retreat! Whether you’re an avid cook or hate to cook, there are plenty of products to choose from. These high-quality products are made in the USA, and every purchase you make using this unique shopping link helps our group.
CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes with Anita are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30-9:30am in the gym. Masks will be required & we will continue to social distance & sanitize our chairs. If you are interested in starting an exercise regime this year, please join us. We follow the silver sneakers protocol using a chair, including yoga, strength & balance, and we even do some "dancing to the oldies." Come join us... it's free & open to anyone.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Connect with Pastor Mike if you would be interested in joining a membership class.
SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.
MEDIA ARTS TEAM: If you would be interested in joining a rotation in media arts to help with worship slides and live stream, please connect with Jenn Houchin.
FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm and volunteers and donations are needed.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.
GIRLFRIEND CIRCLE: Have you ever wished you had a mentor or just a cheerleader to talk about things that you are dealing with? The Girlfriend Circle is a women's support group where you can feel secure to share and talk about your dreams, or just to get advice. Are you tired of looking around and feeling there is no room for you? Come be a mentor, or share. In this day we all need to support each other. Girlfriend Circle will meet on Mondays at 6:00 pm at Uncommon Grounds Coffee House. Bring a friend; open to all women. See Kelly for more information.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join + Deanna & James Boorsma hosts for any who would like to join the class in person, meeting in the last room on the left of the new wing on Sunday mornings at 9am.
Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
Password: Bible101
Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the office.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.
To keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.
OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets during the worship hour at 10:00am with Pastor Maddie! Parents can take children directly to the OH|Kids room before worship (instead of starting in the sanctuary). See Maddie if you would like to help.
TUESDAYS
Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on March 16.
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.
THURSDAYS
Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605
