Dear Friends in Faith,

St. Patrick’s Day is just a couple of days away.  These days St. Patrick’s Day is more of a cultural festival than a religious holiday.  St. Patrick’s Day has become synonymous with corned beef and cabbage and green beer!  Yet there is a religious history to March 17.  It is observed as the Feast Day of St. Patrick who died on March 17 in the year 461.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.  Much legend has grown up around St. Patrick’s life. Perhaps the most well-known legend is that he explained the Trinity using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

St. Patrick’s Day also falls between the seasons of winter and spring.  As one well-known St. Patrick’s Day quote proclaims, “St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time – a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” May it be so! Below you will find an Irish blessing. Scroll further down to learn what’s happening in your church and community.

Your Friend in Faith,

Pastor Kristabeth

 

May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
~ Irish Blessing

 

Sunday, March 18 – Fifth Sunday of Lent

Theme:  Grace for our Despair

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12

Sermon:  Heart Check-Up

 

Pastor Kristabeth’s Schedule March 19-23

Monday – Writing Day

Tuesday – Lunch Meeting, Afternoon Visits

Wednesday – Office in the Morning, Afternoon Worship at Gazebo Senior Living

Thursday – Office in the Morning, Afternoon Meetings

Friday – Pastor’s Day Off

 

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, March 18 at 11:30am. Please join us if you are curious or interested! Speak with 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!

 

Lasagna Lunch

Our youth will again host our annual Palm Sunday Lasagna Lunch in Brand Hall following worship on Sunday, March 25.  All are welcome!  Donations are accepted.  Hosanna!  Lasagna!

 

Holy Week and Easter Worship:

 

Palm Sunday Worship, March 25 at 9:30am – Special Music and Palm Celebration

 

Maundy Thursday Worship with Tenebrae, Thursday, March 29 and 7pm – Worship and remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples and his crucifixion on the cross as we share together in Communion and a service of Tenebrae.

 

Good Friday Meditation, Friday, March 30 from 10am-2pm – The Sanctuary will be open for a time of meditation and reflection on the Stations of the Cross

 

Good Friday Worship, Friday, March 30 at 7pm at Shelburne UMC – Our friends at the Shelburne United Methodist Church (30 Church St. Shelburne, VT) invite us to join them for Good Friday Worship.

 

Easter Sunrise Service, April 1 at 6:15am – Celebrate the Risen Christ as we watch the sun rise over Mt. Mansfield.  Our Easter Sunrise Service takes place in the parking lot of the Wheeler Homestead (1100 Dorset St.) rain or shine.

 

Traditional Easter Worship at 9:30am in the Sanctuary

 

Men’s Breakfast – First Saturday of the month at 8am at Denny’s

Women’s Breakfast – Second Saturday of the month at 9am at Trader Dukes