Wandering Heart: What Are the Essential Tenets of Your Faith?

In our ongoing sermon series, "Wandering Heart," we delve deeper into Peter's interactions with Jesus as depicted in Matthew 16:21-23. Last Sunday, we examined the juxtaposition between embodying the roles of "social media shiny disciples" and "rustic disciples," drawing from Matthew 16:13-20. This week, we shift our focus toward the core principles of our faith.

Following Jesus' forewarning to His disciples about the forthcoming challenges of discipleship, Peter's reaction offers a window into his future responses. As we gear up for this weekend's worship, I invite you to reflect: What are the fundamental tenets of your faith? Amidst life's formidable challenges, upon which foundational beliefs in Jesus do you anchor yourself?

Further in this blog, you'll discover a video along with additional details about the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). This remarkable entity within the United Methodist Church is dedicated to assisting those in distress. I encourage you to view the video, engage in some research, and join us in supporting one of our Church's vital ministries this Sunday. Rest assured, every contribution directly benefits those in need, as the broader United Methodist Church community—through our collective offerings—has already provided for administrative expenses.

A Special E-Reader Devotional from Sanctified Art

We're blessed to have a special e-reader version of this year’s Lent devotional, courtesy of our friends at A Sanctified Art. We will also have printed versions available at church for your convenience. You can access it by sending me an email and I’ll send you the link DJ@revdj.com. Please remember, to honor and protect their creative work, refrain from sharing this link on social media or forwarding it outside our church community.

As we continue our journey through the "Wandering Heart" series, let's keep our hearts and minds open to the lessons of faith, identity, and discipleship that the Lord reveals to us through the lives of His disciples. Peter's story is our story—a journey of faith, faltering, and finding our foundation in Christ.

Beyond the Sermon

UMCOR Giving Sunday (March 10th): Mark your calendars for a special day of giving. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) provides humanitarian relief and disaster response in the United States and internationally. Let's come together to support this vital ministry. Every contribution makes a difference.

UMCOR Sunday, March 10th (a note from our friends at the United Methodist Committee on Relief)

Every year, the world experiences devastating hurricanes, storms, wars, and other crises. As these events unfold and the number of those in need of help increases, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is there to help. UMCOR, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe.  Working in more than 80 countries worldwide, UMCOR provides survivors with temporary relief and long-term education, training and support. UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated gifts on the projects that donors specify.  None of these designated gifts support administrative or operating costs.

How then are UMCOR’s administrative costs covered?

Every year on the fourth Sunday in Lent, we celebrate UMCOR Sunday, a day when individual and local church gifts are received to support UMCOR’s administrative costs.

Here’s a video to learn more about UMCOR Sunday.

Upcoming Membership Class

Are you considering joining our church family? If you're looking for a community where you can grow spiritually, engage in meaningful study, and connect with others, our upcoming membership class is the perfect opportunity. Join us on April 7th, following our service, to learn more about what it means to be a part of our church. To register your interest or for more information, please email office@fwumc.org.

New Church Board Leadership

Last year, we introduced a single board governance structure, with members elected by our church community. This board plays a crucial role in guiding the mission, vision, and purpose of our church, overseeing crucial areas like finance, human resources, and trusteeship. In upcoming issues, we will be highlighting individual members of the Church Board to help you get to know the people serving our church in these important roles. Should you have any questions or thoughts for our Church Board, feel free to reach out at ChurchBoard@fwumc.org.

Beseeching

by Hannah Garrity Inspired by Matthew 16:21-23 Ink on paper

“God forbid it!” says Peter to Jesus (Matthew 16:22). In this image, Peter beseeches Jesus to avoid the cross, to not let the prophecies become reality.

After ten years in ministry, I work in a church for the first time. In this text, I feel Jesus speaking directly to me: “You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Matthew 16:23). This is exactly where frustration surfaces for me in my amazing church job. It is when I have set my eye on human things. I worry about the budget. I worry about the email. I worry about the building. So why am I so focused on human things? And the negative ones, at that?

Because I’m human. Because these things matter. But not if I miss the grandeur of this incredible organization sharing the expansive love of God!

With every brush stroke in this ink painting, the humanity of Peter’s face deepens, his expression clarifies. He cannot let his beloved friend be murdered. He worries about human

things. How weighty and legitimate those things feel. Jesus seems free of those human worries. He focuses with confidence on the path ahead, though Peter’s concern causes him to falter.

Perhaps we can each be free of human concerns as well... However, that feels like a pipe dream, and Jesus knows it: “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23). He does not blame Peter. Instead, he calls out Satan from within his friend. In doing so, he offers us a much needed reminder to refocus. Thanks be to God. —Hannah Garrity

Abundant Grace Free Market
Saturday, April 13th 9 am - 12 pm

Reserve a table or sign up to volunteer in the Gathering Place or send an email to abundantgracefree@gmail.com.

Volunteer opportunities: Hospitality table(outside), front or back door monitor, parking lot attendant, inside traffic control, shoe store attendant, provide cookies or muffins for hospitality table.

Please share this information with friends and family and invite them to reserve a table or volunteer. Let's give everyone the opportunity to feel the joy of sharing our abundance with our neighbors!