Sermon Series the Beatitudes April 14th – June 2nd
In a world filled with noise, chaos, and constant motion, finding moments of peace and clarity can feel like a daunting task. Yet, it is often in the midst of life’s challenges that we are presented with opportunities for profound spiritual growth. The Beatitudes, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of human existence with grace, humility, and unwavering faith.
Beginning April 14th and continuing the next few weeks, we’ll embarked on a transformative journey through a sermon series focused on the Beatitudes. These eight blessings, seemingly paradoxical in nature, challenge us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to live a blessed life. As we delve into each beatitude, we discover layers of wisdom that invite us to embrace a deeper connection with God and with one another.
Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-12
April 14: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
April 21st: “Bless are they who mourn; for they should be comforted”
April 28: “Bless are the meek: for they shall possess the land”
May 5th: “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
May 12th: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
May 19th: PENTECOST
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
May 26th “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
June 2nd: “Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
March 24, Palm Sunday Worship at 9 & 11 am “Rejoice in song : A Celebration of Palm Sunday Praise”
March 28th, 6:30 p.m.: Holy Thursday Worship : “A Service of Reflection and Communion”
March 29th Good Friday: Sanctuary open (11 am – 6 pm) for prayer and reflection
March 31st, 7 am Sunrise Service —–Join us as a community of faithful people at 7 am Easter Morning to worship our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will gather in the Harrisburg United Methodist Grove, around a morning fire worshipping and experiencing the rising of the sun! If you are able bring cut flowers for the flowering of the cross
Highlighting your personal Lenten journey can be a meaningful and transformative experience that deepens your spiritual growth and draws you closer to God. Here are some ways you can highlight your personal Lenten journey:
1. Set spiritual goals: Reflect on areas of your life where you feel disconnected from God or where you struggle with sin. Set specific spiritual goals for Lent that will help you grow closer to God and deepen your faith.
2. Daily prayer and reflection: Get up a half hour earlier to make time for daily prayer and reflection during Lent.
3. Fasting and self-denial: Consider fasting from something meaningful to you during Lent, such as a favorite food or activity. Use this time of self-denial to focus on your relationship with God and to cultivate a spirit of discipline and self-control.
4. Acts of charity: Use Lent as a time to focus on giving back to those in need. Consider volunteering at a local charity or church, donating to a cause you care about, or performing random acts of kindness for others.
5. Read the book of Mark: Pastor Fredrick will be focusing the Lenten Sermons on Mark.
6. Engage in reading the Pause for Lent: 40 Words or 40 Days. Watch on Facebook Pastor Fredrick will be reflecting on selected reading.
7. Worship: Plan to be part of Holy Thursday Worship. Holy Thursday is the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. Then celebrate Easter Morning at the Sunrise Service, watching as morning breaks anew.
8. Reflect on your journey: Regularly reflect on your personal Lenten journey and how you are growing closer to God.
By intentionally highlighting your personal Lenten journey through prayer, fasting, reflection, and acts of charity, you can deepen your relationship with God and experience spiritual transformation during this holy season.
Ash Wednesday invites us to reflect on our lives, acknowledging our shortcomings and sins, and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God and others. It’s a time to turn away from distractions and focus on deepening our relationship with the divine.
Following Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent unfolds—a period of fasting, and prayer.There are a number of ways to honor Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent within your daily routines. Here are 3 of the 10 ideas suggested on UMC.org
“Giving something up for Lent” is a common practice for many Christians. Often, we give up a favorite food or try to kick a bad habit during Lent. When the change or challenge you set for yourself starts to waver pause for prayer. These practices help you to draw closer to God, emulate the sacrificial life of Jesus, and prepare your hearts for the celebration of Easter.
Pray your day – Pray for the drivers of the vehicles and fellow mass transit passengers with whom you share your commute. Pray as you pass the hospital, police station, and government offices. Lift up the trash collector and mail carrier. Offer sentence prayers throughout the day thanking God for your coworkers.
Be still –Light a candle and pause before the presence of God. Take a holy yoga class. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your deck. Listen for the voice of God.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, may we approach Ash Wednesday with hearts open to transformation and renewal. Let us embrace this sacred season as an opportunity to deepen our faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to God and one another.
Join us for an evening of great food and lots of fun. Start the evening with an amazing Italian dinner, served to you by our youth. After dinner, the fun begins as we auction off some great desserts. As the bids go up so does the fun and so does the funding for our youths mission trip. The goal for ticket sales is $3000, if the tickets sales reach $3000. Pastor Richards hair will be dyed BLUE. This event is filled with fun and fellowship. We invite you to join us.
