Grace United Methodist Church

Lenten Season

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:39:09 +0000

Dear Friends

The 2010 Lenten season has begun. As a kid growing up in a small country church we did not celebrate Ash Wednesday or as far as I can remember even talk about Lent. To me as a kid Lent was something you found in you belly-button. Now I know the truth that it is a season of prayer, self-examination, and self-denial. The short explanation of Lent began with a group of devote Christians in 235AD who fasted for 40 hours prior to Easter morning to prepare for the Easter experience. This fast was well received by many and was extend to 7 days which became known as Holy Week. Finally in 325AD the church adopted 40 days of self-denial in honor of our Lord Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, and so officially began the journey to the Cross we call Lent, and even more importantly the Resurrection. I hope to see you many times over the next several weeks as we journey together thru Lent to the Cross.

In Christ’s love

Tom

In the eyes of God…

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:57:42 +0000

Dear Friends:
As we begin this season of Lent I am trying to see myself not as others see me but as God might see me. As I started this reflection I realize that in the eyes of God I am his son and that he is my Heavenly Father.

As I am writing this blog I have just received news that my Oklahoma Grand-daughter had her test at the hospital and the Doctor said that she is just fine. A slight stomach problem she will out grow in a few months. As she is my grand-daughter, I could have told the doctors that she is not just fine but that she is actually perfect. I could be prejudice in her case. I have only been her “Pa Pa Tom” for 16 weeks but I love her beyond my ability to put that love into words.

As I reflect on it I must say that I love my children and grand-children so much that in spite of all of their imperfections I truly believe I would be willingly die for any one of them. As a sinner I know how imperfect my love is, at the same time I know that the love of my Heavenly Father is perfect. So in that perfect love what would my Father do for me? The answer to that question is simple, because He has already done it. “While I was yet a sinner He died for me” and you too.

In Christ’s love,

Tom S.

Peace

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:59:20 +0000

Last Sunday I attended and participated in my Grandson Thomas’ baptism. Though it was my children’s decision to have Thomas baptized I felt a great deal of accomplishment in that moment. I have been a parent longer then I have been a pastor and one of my goals as a parent has been to have my children value Jesus as Christ and be a part of His body the church. In my children’s profession of faith and my grandson’s baptism I could and can feel the warm sheltering embrace of the family of God wrapped around the one’s I love so much. In that few moments on Sunday, in this uncertain world, I suddenly felt a great peace that my beloved are safe in the arms of Christ forever. Jesus said “my peace I give to you”. What greater blessing can a parent be given?

Why do so many chose to live in fear when peace is so close at hand?

Reverend Tom

Greetings from Grace United Methodist Church

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:05:19 +0000

We are excited to offer this great new communication tool for our members and friends. Come back soon to hear about all the great things we have to offer.

Sunday
9:00 a.m. Sanctuary worship designed to provide a comprehensive inclusion of choral, hand bell, ensemble and drama elements. This service incorporate forms which are largely accepted in mainstream currents of United Methodist worship.

10:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. – Sunday School: A time of studying the Word in small groups and Sunday School Classes

11:15 a.m. – Journey Worship: An inviting and informal contemporary worship service that is inclusive of people with little or no church background. Worship takes place in Fellowship Hall.