The Christian season of Lent, like the season of Advent, is a time of preparation. During Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and prepare for his second coming. During Lent we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and prepare ourselves to serve him as our Lord. These seasons of preparation have many different traditions and practices associated with them and it would be hardly possible for one person, one family, or one congregation to observe them all.
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday which is forty days before Easter (not counting Sundays). The “ash” in Ash Wednesday comes from the use of ashes as a symbol of repentance, as in “dressing in sack-cloth and sitting in ashes.” Ashes are, of course, what is left when the fire goes out. Fire is the primary symbol of the Holy Spirit. So, ashes are often used as a symbol of what we have left when we let our burning desire to obey God flame out. When I put my will ahead of God I must repent, turn around, and go the other way: God’s way! Many of us practice giving something up for Lent: this is called fasting (fasting is not just about food). The main idea behind Christian fasting is to remind ourselves that there is only one person, place, or thing that we cannot do without – God! So, if you are thinking about giving something up for Lent, think, “What can’t I do without?” “What do I have to have every day or every week?” It is especially helpful to think of things that do not help you to be a better disciple of Jesus. For example: “Am I more likely to do without my coffee in the morning or skip my Bible reading?” I think we all know which one of those ought to be the higher priority. There are many ways to prepare our hearts and minds during this season of Lent but the one indispensable is prayer. Before we decide what we are going to do we each need to spend some time talking to the Boss about what we should do. Be prepared for an unexpected answer. I can easily imagine God saying: “I like this. I like you and I talking together. I want more of this this!”
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From Pastor Fraley: Two more mass shootings, and all of the usual suspects are making the usual statements about the usual issues, to stir up the usual groups. One group is sure that some form of gun-control is the answer and the other group is sure that gun-control is not the answer – how do we respond?
The usual answer is that somebody should do something. But not me; because none of this is my fault. We all want the problem fixed, but the solution shouldn’t cost me anything. I don’t want to pay any more taxes. I don’t want to change the way I live. I don’t want to be inconvenienced in any way. Just fix the problem and leave me alone! It’s OK if other people have to change the way they live (they probably need to). It’s alright if other people have to pay more in taxes (they probably should). Just do not hold me responsible in any way. Two Sundays ago we talked about how the Holy Spirit can dwell in us and cleanse us from the inside out. We need this because if we are not cleansed, then the hurt and the sadness and the isolation begin to pile up. And sooner or later, the filth on the inside will erupt to the surface. It has happened before. Our society functions in the same way. These shootings are not an aberration ... they are who we are. We are an angry society. We are mad all the time. Big things ... little things ... imaginary things – everything just makes us angry! Let’s quit being angry. Whatever we need to do ... we can do it better without anger. Dear Church Family: As most of you now know, I will retire from the Methodist ministry starting July 1, 2019. I remain excited about beginning a new phase of my life, but am saddened to leave the saints of this church. I leave knowing that while we have served here the Holy Spirit has been working: new members joined, old members returned, new outreach projects began, our financial positions strengthened, and worship become more fun! Monday evening Tony Vinson, District Superintendent, introduced Rev. Michael L Fraley to our First Board as the incoming Pastor at Sealy First UMC. Fraley is currently serving as Pastor in Frankston and Bushy Creek. He has also served as Pastor in Hempstead, Magnolia and Orange. The reverend is a 1991 graduate of Perkins School of Theology at SMU Dallas, but received his undergrad at Texas A&M in industrial technology. He’s a Katy native and is excited about being closer to his west-Houston family. Fraley enjoys traveling, especially to national parks, having visited more than 125 throughout the world and more than 80 Texas State Parks and Historical Sites! Rev. Fraley has specialized training in Youth, Pastoral Care, Faith-Sharing, Administration and Missions. He loves to sing and attend church camp, serving as cabin counselor each year with the youngest of campers. Reverend Fraley looks forward to meeting everyone when he begins his ministry in Sealy Sunday, July 7. I invite you all to lift up Michael in prayer as he begins this time of transition. You have a wonderful new pastor. One that I know you will welcome warmly. Please know that while I will no longer be your pastor, I will always consider you my friends. While at Sealy, you welcomed Wanda and I and made us feel like a part of this family of faith. — Pastor Eddie Hilliard In case you haven’t already heard: Earlier this week, I announced my retirement from ministry. I did this with mixed emotions. Of course, I am excited about beginning a new phase of my life, but am saddened to leave the saints of this church. You have welcomed Wanda and me, and made us feel like a part of this family of faith. This is a special community. As of July 1, 2019, I will leave the ministry of the United Methodist Church. I leave knowing that while we have served here, the Holy Spirit has been working. We’ve seen new members join, old members return, new outreach projects begin, our financial positions strengthen, and worship become more fun! I am looking forward to the adventures God has in store for me as I focus on social justice issues once again, working in communities of neighbors who might not otherwise hear the Gospel message preached in actions not words. You will soon have a wonderful new pastor, one I know you will welcome warmly. Please know that while I will no longer be your pastor, I will always consider you my friends. — Pastor Eddie Hilliard |
AuthorIn matters of faith, we at First United Methodist Church, Sealy put primary reliance on the Bible. In scripture, we understand that we are all God’s children; therefore, we will be a church that cares for the needs of our church and local community through prayer, deeds, inspiration, and love in the spirit of Christ. Archives
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Our MissionCaring for the needs of our church and community through prayer, deeds, inspiration and love in the Spirit of Christ.
Sunday Worship: 10 am Adult & Children & Youth Sunday School 9 am First Kids Mother's Day Out (Tuesday & Thursday; 8am to 2pm; Ages 1-3) Rev Pat Bell, Pastor First United Methodist Church Sealy
200 Atchison Street Sealy, Texas 77474 979.885.2223 |
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