We know that as we choose to follow Jesus we become and walk in the Light of God. We carry this light as we go, and it brightens our lives and the lives of those around us. But light also makes it hard to hide anything. Think of a spotlight in a dark room. If you weren’t ready for that light to be on you, you would feel very exposed, anxious, and vulnerable. And whether or not it happens, we fear what people will think or say about us. It’s normal to not want everyone to see all the parts of our hearts and minds. But we are to be striving for the light. You are familiar with John 3:16 but what about the verses that come after? 

16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. 17 God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him isn’t judged; whoever doesn’t believe in him is already judged, because they don’t believe in the name of God’s only Son. 19 "This is the basis for judgment: The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil. 20 All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. 21 Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.”

God is shining a big spiritual spotlight on our lives. And yes, this passage makes me think of those big sins that would land someone in jail, but what about those small things? Those fears? The bad habits or ways of thinking and responding? Those little bits of ourselves that we hope to hide but become stumbling blocks. The hard conversations about hard topics. These things make that spiritual spotlight seem much more frightening to fully embrace and accept not as commendation but as a renewal and direct source to life. So maybe this week, shine a light on your heart and talk with God about the things that need a little brightening. And who knows, it might be the beginning of what someone else needs to see or talk about, too.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m., join us in person,

or participate in our live-streamed worship service

on either our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/forrestburdettemumc

or our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/ForrestBurdette/videos

Sunday School classes begin at 9:15 a.m.

March 28, 6:30 p.m.: On Maundy or Holy Thursday, we, like the original disciples, will experience the Meal in the Upper Room. We will begin in the sanctuary and then move into the Fellowship Hall. We will share a meal like the one Jesus shared with the 12. Around tables we will eat similar foods to a 1st century Passover. We will also listen to the words of Jesus from the Gospel, sing, and pray. As Jesus invites us to break bread, we will share communion at our tables. Don’t miss this profoundly moving experience. Sign up today by clicking here.

Our usual supplier informed the church that Easter lilies are not available for large quantity purchase again this year. As a result, we are not able to offer lilies for sale. In lieu of purchasing lilies, please make a special Lenten donation toward the “A Bike for Every Pastor” initiative in North Katanga, in honor/memory of a loved one. Please click here for more information and the donation form.

Wednesday evening classes for all ages begin at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 5:30. You don't have to be taking a class to come for dinner. The menu for March 13 is a green theme -- stuffed green bell peppers, green veggies, vegetable platter, and banana cream pudding (Sunday's bulletin listed last week's menu in error; I apologize!). Dinner is free; donations are accepted. Currently the meals are running $10 per person. Please sign up at the Connection Center, or call the church office by Monday so that we may prepare accordingly.

Bring a friend next Sunday, March 17! People know that Easter is coming and may be wondering what it's all about or whether something is missing from their lives. Please make a list of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates who don’t go to church. Pray for them, and look for opportunities to invite them to join you in coming to church. Tip: Offer to pick up your friend(s), so you arrive together!

Would you like to learn more about becoming a reading or math buddy for a child attending our COM after-school care program? An informational meeting will be held this Sunday, March 17, after the morning worship service. A light lunch will be provided. Please contact Donna Landin (304-437-3546) for information.

It’s Easter Egg Season again! The congregation of Forrest Burdette is invited to join in the fellowship of Easter Egg construction at the Annual Egg Factory. Beginning Monday, March 18, and running through Thursday, March 21, volunteers will work with our United Methodist Women in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closing time may vary, as we plan to make more eggs this year). Training will be provided for workers. We need YOU as you are available! Workers may bring a dish to share for the noon and/or evening meals, Monday through Wednesday. Volunteers are also needed for clean up each evening at 6:00 (closing time may vary).

Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is our Spring Festival! Easter Egg orders will be ready for pick-up. Many hands are needed! Donations of baked goods to be sold at the Country Store can be brought in to the church on Friday, March 22.

Please pray for the volunteers and the mission outreach of this project. For more information, call Karen Lilly, 304-562-9241.

JOY Fellowship will not meet in March, due to a schedule conflict with the Egg Factory. Please mark your calendars for our next covered dish lunch on Thursday, April 18, at noon.

• Soccer balls, size 4 for boys ages 5-9 & 10-14 (200) with pump and needle, Western Star
• Recorders (400)
• Undies (boys and girls sizes 4, 9, 14)
• Combs (heavy duty)
• Toothbrushes (soft) (Walmart 6 for $1.22)
• Washcloths
• Soap in packaging
• Nail clippers (Amazon
• Coloring/activity books ($1 at Walmart)
• Large chalk (Dollar Tree)
• Balls
• Sewing scissors (Amazon)
• Measuring tapes (Amazon)
• Sunglasses (Amazon)
• Crank style flashlights (Amazon)
• Dance ribbon wands (200) (Amazon)
• Shirts for boys size 4, 8-9 and 14, no green or grey camo 
• Money for printing for A Book for You (written by Emma Holley and Sarah Clark)
• Matchbox cars
• (We'll purchase school supplies in the summer)
• Shoeboxes are stuffed with quality items - shoebox size 12x7x4

NO camo print items, toothpaste, or liquids

Nine Rivers Laity Educational Event, formerly known as Lay Academy, is set for May 3-4, 2024, at Forrest Burdette UMC. This is a 2-day (Friday evening—Saturday all day), in-person event. Please pick up a brochure behind the Connection Center desk for more information, or click here.

The United Methodist Women are now receiving Easter Egg orders! Click here for a single order form to print, and click here to print a form for multiple orders (workplace, school, neighborhood, etc.). Note that all five fillings are available in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate again this year. Please mark your orders accordingly. Orders are due by Wednesday, March 13. Eggs will be available on March 23, at the annual Spring Fling.

If you would like to help make these eggs in the Forrest Burdette "Egg Factory," save the dates: March 18-21.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to sell items at our annual UMW Spring Fling, click here for an application or find printed copies at the Connection Center desk.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 16-20, 2024.

3/11—Brittany Cochran, Shannon Dean, Bryan Larch

3/12—Linda Anders, Lisa Vance, Doug Ward

3/13—Marvin Lively

3/14—Sierra Fisher, Sandee Simms, Lori Sublett

3/15—Lily Haught, Olivia Haught, Reece James

3/16—Caleb Bowers, Jason Haught, Lindsay Jones

3/17—Emily Hall, Sandra Turley