Crosswinds Newsletter
March 31, 2021 - Volume 559
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Today, we are at the midweek mark of Holy Week. This is when the church sits in the story of Jesus and the events surrounding His death and resurrection. We have intentionally set up the WayPoint readings to align with this week, and I would encourage you to read them daily as we get ready for Easter Sunday.
The events of this week run the gamut of human emotions. What begins with rejoicing falls into despair before turning back to rejoicing. We see hopes reduced to grief, laughter to tears, and joy to despair. We encounter the tension of human injustice and God’s grace, tragedy, and victory. It’s all there on the pages of the gospels for us to experience.
I would argue that one cannot experience the fullness of Easter morning joy without walking through the full story. We have to be willing to confront the despair at the cross if we want to know the joy of empty tomb.
So let’s be intentional about this week. Set aside time to sit in Jesus’ story. Take time for prayer, not just in passing but in quiet reflection. Join us for worship on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, either in person or online. Let’s prepare our hearts for Easter as we celebrate our Risen Savior. .
Pastor Brady
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Lord God, I give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless.
Here I stand, at the start of this holy week,
This week in which your church remembers Jesus’ passion and death,
And I am distracted by many things.
Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in your name
The one who opens the gates of righteousness
The one who answers when we call.
I bless you, Lord, for shining your light upon me,
And for sending your son to us, in human frailty.
To walk the road we walk.
Open my eyes that I may see him coming,
And may praise him with a pure heart.
And may walk in the way of his suffering,
And share also in his resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Written by Rachel Stone)
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Just a reminder that for the 8:30am service, we will be hosting overflow in the Family Life Center where the service will be streamed live. Pastor April will be guiding the worship over in the FLC. We also want to remind everyone to continue wearing masks and maintaining distance. These are simple ways to love our neighbors by keeping people safe. We have done such a good job with this, so thank you church. It’s why we’re able to bring more and more things back, so let’s keep it up. |
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Meals for First Responders |
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For the past two Sundays we have mentioned some upcoming efforts to bless our community. This week we are providing a meal for our local first responders, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Cheryl Weadon is organizing the meals so that we are able to serve those on different shifts. If you are interested in helping serve the meal, please email Cheryl Weadon. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who look out for us.
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God's Garden Preschool Registration |
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Registration for God's Garden Preschool opens to church members on Thursday, March 25. If you would like to register your pre-school age child for the 2021-2022 school year, please click on the button below starting tomorrow. Register early as we fill up quickly each year and registration will open to the public soon. |
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Godly Play has returned during during the 11 AM worship service only. Children who want to attend will be released during the By the Well Service to worship together through parables, sacred stories and liturgical lessons. The Godly Play team will bring them back to the Family Life Center at the end of service. All school-age children must wear a mask. Thank you for your understanding in the matter.
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We want to celebrate you and all that you have accomplished on Senior Sunday. But we need pictures of you and some basic info, including your name, parents names and your plans for after graduation. Pictures and information can be sent to Valerie Dick, Media Director. More details about Senior Sunday coming soon!
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Holy Spirit Bible Study meets on Zoom, each Wednesday at 4:30 PM. To connect to the Holy Spirit Bible Study, click on Zoom at the time of the meeting.
Youth Group meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the FLC and is open to students 6th-12th grade. Bring a friend!
Choir join us each Wednesday at 6pm to rehearse. Contact Paul for more info.
Maundy Thursday Worship Service is Thursday, April 1 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. All are invited.
Good Friday Worship Service is Friday, April 2 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. All are invited.
Confirmation Classes meet each Sunday through May from 9:45-10:45 AM. We will not meet on Easter Sunday. If you have questions or need more information, please email Keelee. You must be registered to attend.
Discipleship Bands meet at various times throughout the week. New Discipleship Bands can form at any time! For more information, please contact the church office.
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Easter Sunday Worship, April 4
In-Person & Live on Facebook
"The King Has Arrived"
Luke 19:28-48
8:30 AM Traditional in the Sanctuary
11 AM Contemporary in the FLC
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This Lent we are leaning hard into scripture study and prayer as a means of examination. God’s Word often acts like a mirror, allowing us to see in ourselves what we might not otherwise. Prayer is a time when we listen to Spirit’s prompting. This is why we are encouraging you to participate in the WayPoint daily devotional throughout Lent. The WayPoints are designed to help you prayerfully engage God’s Word so that we might respond in obedience. Click on Waypoint or FUMC Facebook to find the WayPoints.
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Creation Kids Links:
Stay connected in Creation Kids Children's Ministry! Follow us on our Facebook page, Creation Kids, and our Instagram page, @creationkidsfumcmidlo, to keep up with resources for connection. For more information, email Keelee Allen.
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Junior & Senior High Youth Group
Wednesday Nights
6:30-8 PM in the FLC
Stay connected in FUMC Midlo Youth Ministries! Follow us on our Youth Facebook page, FUMC Midlo Youth (public) and our Instagram page, @fumcmidloyouth. Youth and Youth parents, join our private Facebook Group, FUMC Midlothian Youth. For Remind 101 for Youth, text @7b2dff6 to the number 81010. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Brady.
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Nursery and Early Childhood
Infant Through Pre-K is Available
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We offer Nursery and Early Childhood care (infant through pre-k) during our Sunday morning worship services. If you would like your children to attend, please visit our Creation Kids Webpage to review our entire policy before bringing your children. Elementary age children will need to stay with their family in worship at this time. If you have any questions, please email Keelee Allen at Keelee. Thank you!
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Church Office Hours & Appointments |
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Please remember we are practicing social distance and wearing face masks as an act of love for one another while on campus. Face masks are required when you are at the church - in both the Main Building and the Family Life Center.
Church office visits can be made by appointment only at this time. In effort to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19, church staff will primarily be working remotely. Phones will be forwarded and answered. Please contact the church office at 972-775-3993 to make an appointment for church business.
If you have any personal financial questions, please send an email to finance@fumcmidlo.org. Attach copies of any documents necessary regarding your questions.
Thank you!
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New
Sherry McLain (daughter of Sharon Perdasofpy) - health issues
Marcie Hughson (mother of Dan Hughson) - health issues
Continuous Prayer
Karen Wilson, Dorothy Wares, George & Dee Culps, Don Lish, John Lowe, Chelsea Peel, God's Garden Preschool
COVID-19 Crisis, All those who have to make important and wise decisions regarding reopening businesses, churches and all other places
Military
ARMY - Matt Carroll, Tim Kruettner, Harold Barton, Josh Schenck, Austin Lockwood
NAVY - Matthew Price, Andrew Cantrell, Zachary Tucker, Thomas Shirley, Matthew Watford
AIR FORCE - J.D. Culps, Andrew Miller
MARINES - Collin Johansen, Josh Dunaway, Seth Allen, Bradley Perez, Elizia Delapaa
NATIONAL GUARD - Derek Boots
Remember in Prayer
Our world, our country, our community leaders, all our military troops and first responders around the world, our church, our pastors, the staff, church members, visitors, and Midlothian community
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The Prayer/Card Ministry sent prayers and cards to 19 yr old Jay Monson who was in a horrific motorcycle accident several months ago. He still has a long way to go to be able to walk again and for other issues to heal. Jay and his parents Priscilla and Chris feel so blessed with all the cards that they have received from our church. Chris said "that the Midlothian Church is the praying church he has seen”. Thank you all for the cards. They mean so much to our family.
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Thank You for Your Generosity |
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Thank you for your generosity! We continue to do great ministry as a church because of you and your faithfulness. We encourage you to continue giving to the church's ministry either by mailing in your financial gifts or giving online by clicking on the button below. Every gift helps us do greater things for God's Kingdom!
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