Sermon series for Lent thanks to our friends at Sanctified Art.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, our focus turns to the story of Peter, one of the most relatable disciples of Jesus. Peter embodies a beautiful paradox: he is at once unwavering and faltering, a cherished companion yet also a denier, both a devoted follower and a wanderer. In Peter's experiences, we often catch glimpses of our own lives. His path offers us a unique perspective to witness Jesus' story, as seen through the eyes of an ordinary person striving to understand.
While delving into Peter's spiritual odyssey, the poignant words of the hymn "Come Thou Fount" resonated deeply with us. It's almost as if Peter himself could have penned this hymn. For each phase of Peter's journey, we've chosen a line from this hymn, allowing us to echo Peter's steps in song, and thereby drawing our wandering hearts closer to God.
This sermon series is an invitation to recognize that faith is a dynamic journey, marked by both commitment and change. It's a journey where wandering signifies exploration rather than estrangement from God. Through Peter's actions—whether he's casting his nets, treading upon water, racing to the empty tomb, or swimming towards a meeting with the risen Christ—we see a continual quest for understanding, love, and forgiveness, despite any setbacks or errors. Peter's story powerfully reminds us that God's love embraces the imperfect; indeed, it's often the flawed and faltering whom God chooses and calls.
During this Lent, we'll trace our own stories in the footprints of Peter's journey. We'll contemplate our faith's progression and the influences that have shaped us. Let's embrace this time of wandering as an opportunity to harmonize our hearts with the melody of God's grace, bathing in the endless streams of mercy.
About the Theme:
Peter, like many of us, has a wandering heart. His path is not flawless or straightforward, yet it is invariably linked to God's love. A closer look at Peter's life reveals Jesus' constant presence, guiding him towards fullness, supporting him in doubt, confronting him in resistance, serving him in humility, foreseeing his denial, and greeting him with unconditional love. This Lent, we walk with Peter in his quest to understand faith, not placing him on a pedestal nor condemning him, but journeying beside him, eager to discover what his footsteps can teach us about Jesus, and about ourselves.
Ash Wed service tomorrow at 10am
Let us come together to mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. This solemn yet hopeful gathering will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM. It's a time for reflection, repentance, and the contemplation of our mortality and sinfulness in the light of God's grace.
You are welcome to join us in person or we will also be streaming our service live. Here’s the link to watch tomorrow at 10am.
"Tune my heart" | ASH WEDNESDAY
Tuning fork: A tuning fork is used to tune various instruments to a proper pitch so that all the instruments can play together in harmony. This image represents the Lenten posture of inward reflection and reminds us to make adjustments to get in tune with God’s will for our lives and the world.
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.
A message from our Church Board chair Todd G.
Dear Church,
Sharon Wisenburg has agreed to step down as Church Administrator. Until the position can be filled, Ileeda Denman will be available during new office hours of Monday - Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon). Any questions or concerns can be direct to the Church Board. Our email address is ChurchBoard@fwumc.org
Todd G.
Church Board chair