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    Serve Jesus by Serving Others

    March 30, 2021
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    From the Pastor
    “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)

    Just before Jesus died on the cross, he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 NIV). That moment shows his humanity, that Jesus was God living among us as a man.

    The Bible says that the Roman soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar full of wine vinegar and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. The sour wine was meant to relieve his thirst.

    Wouldn’t you like to have been there to be able to give water to Jesus for his thirst? In fact, you’d probably have considered it a privilege and blessing to serve him in that moment.

    But that moment is long past, and you can’t help Jesus in that way. On the other hand, you can help those around you on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. They want to know what to do with their lives and if their lives have any meaning.

    People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair.

    Jesus says, when you serve others, you’re serving him. So, when you want to do something for Jesus, look for people around you who are in need. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

    Whenever you give a drink to someone who is thirsty, you are giving it to Jesus. The same is true when you lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus.

    Love in action is when you meet the needs of other people in their thirst—physical, emotional, or spiritual—out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for you. The only way you can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.

    Who are the people around you who appear to be spiritually thirsty? Ask God to show you who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.

    Talk It Over
    • Why do you think God wants you to meet people’s physical needs in addition to their spiritual needs?
    • What does it look like for someone to be spiritually thirsty?
    • When you share about Jesus, you might start with what he has done for you. How has Jesus satisfied your thirst for love, purpose, and hope?



    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE:We had a wonderful Palm Sunday and we look forward to the rest of Holy Week. Please join us on Good Friday as Dr. Steve Hoskins, Professor of Religion at Trevecca, brings us a challenging message. Service will begin at 6pm, and we encourage you to reach out and bring a friend. If you can't join us live, the service will be streamed live on Facebook and on our website home page.

    ALABASTER OFFERING: We’ll collect our Alabaster Offering on Easter Sunday. Remember to bring your extra change to fill our church. If you will not be able to join us in person, be sure to mark your paypal/givelify/check offering for Alabaster.

    WOMEN'S BINGO: Women's Ministry will host a Bingo Night on April 16 at 6:00PM in the FLC. There will be (store bought) pies, beverages, and prizes. We will social distance in the FLC and masks will be required to wear unless eating (with family members). We will have hand sanitizer and wipes available. We are looking forward to a fun (and safe) time of fellowship.

    WOMEN'S RETREAT: Old Hickory Women’s Retreat with guest speaker Lisa Miller Rich will be May 21-23 at Oasis Christian Center. More information and registration is here.

    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.  

    CAMP AT THE CREEK ‘21: High School is June 7-11; Middle School is June 14-18. More details coming soon.

    CLASSES & STUDIES

    SUNDAYS
    Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
    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 APRIL 13.


    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



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