Thursday, January 25, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 20248

I don’t make and I don’t particularly like New Year’s resolutions.  

Actually, that’s not entirely true. I made and kept a resolution a couple of years ago to read more non-Jesusy books and I was successful. But that’s the only time in my life I can say that! As to the why of not liking resolutions, I think it’s tied to the “wellness” industry (those quotation marks are very intentional) and the pressure that comes with the whole “new year, new me” attitude. Not that this attitude doesn’t work for some, and if that’s you that’s wonderful! But too often it’s tied to body shaming and unhealthy practices that I’m working hard to move away from. 

What I’m interested in instead of resolutions is continuing to break old ways of thinking and correcting the nasty little voice in my head that can be so mean to me. This looks like reminding myself that food has no moral value - it isn’t good or bad and eating certain things doesn’t make me a bad person. This looks like remembering that all bodies are God’s creation and therefore beautiful. This looks like dropping my shame when my house is cluttered and there’s dog hair waiting to be swept up because Erich and I chose to spend time together that didn’t involve cleaning. This looks like remembering that parenting is a learning process and I don’t and simply can’t know everything I need to know before baby girl gets here. This means admitting that I make mistakes, say things that hurt people, that I must own the messes that are of my own making, and apologizing when I step in it. 

Honestly, a resolution to go to the gym every morning would be less work! But I’m more interested in being a better, more Christ-like, loving person than giving my pant size any more attention than it’s already getting. 

How about you, friend? What are you focused on these days? What old ways of thinking are you breaking? How are you caring for your spirit? What are you un-learning? My prayer is that whatever it is, however you’re taking care of yourself you’re doing it with as much love, compassion, and understanding as you’d extend to someone else. As much love, compassion, and understanding as Christ shows to us daily. Trust me, you deserve it. You are worthy. 

-Jillian

Opening Hymn: Sing Praise to God, Our Highest Good Johann Jakob Schütz practiced both civil and canon law in Frankfurt, Germany, throughout his life. He had an interest in the company that purchased land in Germantown, PA from William Penn in 1683. He published two collections of hymns.



Middle Hymn: We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness Dosia Carlson is noted for her ministry at Beatitudes United Church of Christ in Phoenix. AZ, and for her hymn writing. This text was inspired by a sermon.

Gospel Acclamation: This is Good News

DH Clark wrote the announcement and response to the Gospel saying…”Listen as God speaks to us this day through these words.”

Anthem: Be Thou My Vision by John Rutter from an ancient Irish text.

The Communion Anthem: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need arranged by Virgil Thomson with metered text of Psalm 23 by Isaac Watts.

Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace John Newton's autobiographical hymn reflects his conversion from his earlier existence as a slave trader. While serving as curate in the English village of Olney, Newton met William Cowper, and together they published Olney Hymns, which included this hymn.

We Celebrate with...

Seth Dodd (25th)

Gail Blackman (26th)

Knox Corley (26th)

Tony Arpino (28th)

Mark Windham (31st)

as they celebrate their birthdays

Youth Group Meals

Our youth meet every Sunday at 5:00. We would like to offer them a light meal. If you would like to help provide a meal click the link to sign up. They love easy meals. Some suggestions are tacos, spaghetti, chili, sandwiches and pizza! 

Please review the available slots by clicking on the button to sign up. Dates will be added as planning continues. Thank you! We typically have between 10-15 youth and adults. Please call or text Laura (318-387-4446) with any questions!

YOUTH MEALS SIGNUP

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, February 15 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

SECURITY TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED

If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact Lola Wheeler (318-816-1341) or the church office for details.

JANUARY MISSION EMPHASIS:

LOCAL HUMANE SHELTERS



Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter (kill shelter) 417 Well Road, W. Monroe. This shelter needs everything listed.

Human Society, 920 Freight Dr., Monroe This shelter does not need cat items.

River Cities Humane Society for Cats, 5302 DeSiard, Monroe They need everything listed EXCEPT dog food)

Trunk Needs: Dog treats (such as Milkbones). Please no rawhides, Puppy and Kitten food (canned or dry), Dog and Cat food (canned or dry), Cat litter, Puppy pads, all sizes, all stock livestock food, hay and shelled corn, Animal carriers, BLEACH, BIRKON, scrub brushes, Disposable gloves all sizes, Paper Towels, Tall Kitchen Bags. Laundry Detergent, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Dawn dishwashing liquid, First Aid supplies (like antiseptic spray), Old bath towels, t-shirts, sheets, blankets, etc...that can be placed in cages. Most of these rescues have Amazon Wish Lists you may search for and order directly for them.

The floral offerings were given to the Glory of God

And in loving memory of Joe W. Caskey

By Peggy Caskey, The L.G. Caskey Family, and Barbara and Lowery Thompson

Arrangement by Marilyn Decker and Robert Crawford

If you would like to give flowers one Sunday in honor or in memory of someone special, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $125-$150