Our devotional for Wednesday has been prepared by Bob Brandt, a member of our congregation and one of our laity delegates to Annual Conference.
Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Reflection
Paul encouraged the Thessalonica followers of Jesus to continue practicing his teachings. This could be demonstrated by being at peace among themselves, encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, and being patient when helping others.
As we have experienced days of uncertainty and impatience, we must continue to practice our faith, share patience, and continue to help others when, where, and how we can, maintaining our efforts to build up one another.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we recognize your strength and compassion through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, to forgive our sins. Thanks for daily helping each of us to keep focused on our works and deeds serving others. We seek your forgiveness when we have not acted in a way pleasing to you. We need your help to guide and direct our lives. Be with first line persons in positions of medicine, safety, and service. Keep them safe and healthy. Help us to act to keep those in our presence safe. All this we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
Important Announcement
Join us for a virtual Midweek Retreat this afternoon (April 15th) from 5:15-6:30 pm. We will spend most of our time seeing and talking with friends from Christ United Methodist Church. Then, towards the end of our time together, we will conclude with a “virtual” celebration of Holy Communion. For the Communion service, you will need to provide your own elements. If you have grape juice and bread, then please have those ready for Midweek Retreat. If you don’t have grape juice and bread, then it will be perfectly all right to use anything, such as saltines and water. Pastor Beth will consecrate your elements and we will receive the sacrament in our homes.
Once again, we will use zoom technology to connect. To join our virtual Midweek Retreat, get on your computers or phones and go to the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/458451147If you need it, the Meeting ID is 458 451 147. There is a nice zoom tutorial on our church website, christumclinc.org.
If you don’t have a computer or phone, with a camera and microphone, you can still join our virtual Midweek Retreat by traditional telephone. Simply call 346-248-7799. When prompted, type in the Meeting Id number, 458 451 147. This will allow you to participate in the virtual Midweek Retreat using your phone. We hope that you will join us for this special time.