Dear Friends in Faith,
Lent is living up to its name this year! The meaning of Lent is Spring or lengthening of days. Yesterday, with the temperatures in the high sixties, it certainly felt like Spring! This morning, though, temperatures were back down in the 20s. Winter isn’t over yet!
Life is sometimes like the wild fluctuations in the weather. At one moment all is going well, but the next moment we face an unexpected challenge. Like Lent, life is a journey of ups and downs. Yet in life, like in Lent, we can take comfort that the Risen Christ meets us at the end of the journey. Just like we know that Spring will come, knowing that Christ is with us can make the fluctuations easier to bear.
Below you will find a reflection on the Season of Lent. Scroll further down to learn what’s happening in your Faith community.
Your Friend in Faith,
Pastor Kristabeth
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words;
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude;
Fast from anger and be filled with patience;
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope;
Fast from worries and have trust in God;
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity;
Fast from pressures and be prayerful;
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy;
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others;
Fast from grudges and be reconciled;
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
~ Words of Pope Francis shared by Tricia from the Conference Board of Laity
Sunday, February 25 – Second Sunday of Lent
Theme: Grace for our Weakness
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon: “Embracing our Name”
Pastor Kristabeth’s Schedule February 26-March 2
Monday – Office in the Morning, Afternoon Visits
Tuesday – Working in the Community and Visits
Wednesday – Office in the Morning, Trustees Meeting 7pm
Thursday – Office in the Morning, Afternoon Visits
Friday – Pastor’s Day Off
High School FLOCK to meet at Denny’s February 25
The February 25 High School Sunday School class will be held at Denny’s Restaurant on Shelburne Rd. from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Discussion will focus around the Lasagna Luncheon on Palm Sunday (March 25), and the “Future Trees for Faith” project culminating on Sunday, April 22, which is Earth Day.
New Member Conversations – Starting March 4
Come join the new member conversations! The first class will be after worship on March 4. Other classes will be after worship on some Sundays in April. Come if you are curious – You can decide to join – or not – as classes proceed.
To All Knitters and Crochets’ – A Message from Bonnie Machia
Fred Sanford gave me Gail’s yarn, needles, and pattern books. There is a lot of all! I am thinking it would be a nice memorial to Gail if the yarn is used to make hats, scarves and mittens for the 2018 mitten tree at church. There is way too much for me to use it all, so I would like to start a knitting/crochet group. We can meet monthly or weekly, needles and yarn will be provided. I have tried several of the many patterns that are simple, so any level of knitting ability is welcome. If you are interested, please be in contact: marilynmachia@comcast.net (put “knitting” in the subject line) or call 802-863-3557. Let me know time of day and days of the week that work for you.
Faith United Methodist Women Meeting – SUNDAY, MARCH 11TH
There will be a meeting after worship on March 11th for anyone interested in having a bazaar this year. We need to decide whether to continue or explore other fundraising opportunities. Please come with ideas and suggestions.
Pines Ministry Team
We are looking to grow our Pines Ministry Team, which offers monthly worship and communion at the Pines Senior Living community. Participants read Scripture, offer prayers and give an occasional sermon. Our next Pines Worship is this Sunday (February 25th) at 11:30am. Please join us if you are curious or interested! Contact Tim Hess or Pastor Kristabeth for more information.
METHODIST MIXER – NEW LOCATION
The Methodist Mixers will dine Saturday, March 24th, at the Windjammer Restaurant at 5:30pm. Mark your calendars and contact Beth or Rod Williams at 658-6468. You may also call for more information. This is a group of Methodists from area churches who meet a few times a year for fellowship and food. Anyone is welcome, singles or couples. Please join us!
Men’s Breakfast – 1st Saturday of the month at 8am at Denny’s
Women’s Breakfast – 2nd Saturday of the month at 9am at Trader Dukes
