This week, we temporarily leave the simplicity and solemnity of Lent behind, and allow ourselves to rejoice in God’s mercy and love. These Scripture passages remind us that in times of uncertainty, difficulty and fear, the miracles of Jesus’ love will see us through. As you continue your Lenten journey, open your heart to God’s word, and allow it to provide strength whenever you encounter obstacles in your path.
Sunday, March 14
“…live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” Ephesians 5:8-9
Key thought: It’s not always easy to 'live the light,' especially if you’ve had a bad day, or someone has been critical of you. Suggested practice: Instead of choosing the easy route today—meeting unkindness with unkindness, or lashing out—practice taking the high road. Ask yourself, 'What example do I wish to set for others today?'
Monday, March 15
“Jesus said to him, ‘You may go; your son will live.’ The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.” John 4:50
Key thought: It can be extremely difficult to trust what we cannot see; yet this is exactly what Jesus asks of us. Just as the man in this passage did, we are called to take His word on faith. Suggested practice: Say a special prayer to request God’s help in strengthening your faith, especially when visible signs of His presence are absent.
Jesus, King of Kings, You say that the righteous man will live by faith. Mold me in Your image and fill my heart with faith in You. Guide my actions so that I can live by faith and have a life in You, abundantly and eternally. Cleanse my thoughts of impurities, dear God. Keep my eyes fixed on You and You alone. Help me be steadfast in my trust in You and Your Scriptures so that I can live right in Your holy sight. Amen.
Tuesday, March 16
“Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your mat, and walk.’ Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked…” John 5:8-9
Key thought: The Psalms tell us, “Come! Behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things He has wrought on Earth!” This week, we see how Jesus gave life to the dead and mobility to the paralyzed. These are astounding things, yet His miracles can also be subtle. Suggested practice: Think about what miracles you’ve encountered in your own life. If you can, come to the aid of someone who is ill or suffering to help ease their pain.
Wednesday, March 17
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
Key thought: We were baptized in faith, and as human beings, we occasionally need to refresh our beliefs. Remember: the rewards are great and eternal. Suggested practice: Ask Jesus for the tools you need to strengthen your faith, so that you may fully experience His power over death.
Thursday, March 18
“…these works that the Father gave Me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on My behalf that the Father has sent Me.” John 5:36
Key thought: You do not need to perform miracles to demonstrate that you are one of God’s children. How you behave reflects your faith and your Christianity. Suggested practice: Make an extra effort today to be the person God intends you to be, and to love others openly with no expectations.
Friday, March 19
“It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith.” Romans 4:13
Key thought: True holiness does not stem from simply following the letter of the law. When we have faith, God’s many graces are a true gift. Suggested practice: What does faith mean to you? How can you strengthen your belief in God's word and accept His blessings for you?
Saturday, March 20
“Some in the crowd who heard these words said, ‘This is truly the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’…” John 7:40-41
Key thought: Among God’s many gifts is the gift of discernment—the ability to recognize the truth among so many false prophets. During His lifetime, many to whom Jesus spoke took Him for a heretic; but some immediately recognized His truth. Suggested practice: Who is Jesus? How can you cultivate your own discernment? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as you contemplate these questions.
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
