Have you ever felt like hiding? I have. In fact, I feel like hiding at least once a week. What is it that makes you want to hide? For most of us this takes the form of a day off from work to hide out at home. Sometimes we hide from people we don’t like. We hide because we’re stressed. We hide because work gets to be too much. We hide from people we don’t like, and we hide, at times, just to find a little private space. In places and times less secure than ours, hiding was something done to save your life. In places and times less secure than ours, people hide from armies and stalkers; from wild beasts and wilder people. Whether it’s a raging storm or a marauding band of roughnecks, the real issue of hiding is safety. Whether we are trying to be safe from stress and hide out on our day off or cower in the shadows from an advancing army, it’s about safety. Even when I hide out on a day off, it’s really about safety. I think that everyone needs to hide from time to time. The important thing is to know when— and where—to hide. When flood waters are rising, it’s not a good idea to hide in the basement. If you’re trying to get some time away from work, it’s helpful to know if it’s an ok time to take off from the office. How are you feeling about hiding as we continue this Lenten journey together? Are you tired? Are you feeling unsafe? Do you feel like you need to hide? For us, the ultimate hiding place is in the folds of God’s love. With us always, God offers shelter from the storms and a secure place to curl up when we’re burned out and worn. When the storm passes, and it will, we can each step out once again and continue the journey. When the danger is behind us, we can step out and walk again with God on the path of faithfulness and wonder. So if you need to hide, that’s ok. Go ahead. If you need to step into the protection of God’s love, go! Tomorrow may be another day to travel, a new day to step into vision and grace. AMEN.
Pastor Schuyler Life wins in the end! Come and see how as we discover it in the story of Jesus. Holy Thursday - 3/28 at 7 pm a traditional foot washing service, symbolizing our call to servant leadership. Good Friday - 3/29 7 pm Jesus is executed and death has it's way with him......or does it? Easter Sunday - 3/31 6 am on Ocean Beach across from the Beach Chalet Restaurant, join us for an Easter Sunrise service (The real story of life and new beginnings! 9:00 am - Easter Breakfast 11:00 am - Celebration of the Victory of Life Over Death! Who couldn't use a little of that?
THE TEMPLE TIMES WEEKLY NEWS OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AT TEMPLE UNITED METHODSIT CHURCH March 10, 2013 Remember that old rule about not discussing religion or politics with anyone? It got repealed! Invite someone to church next week! It’s really ok to do that.
LET’S READ THE BIBLE TOGETHER! TAKE THESE PASSAGES WITH YOU! MONDAY Matthew 11:2-19; TUESDAY 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; WEDNESDAY Romans 1:1-7, 16-17; THURSDAY Isaiah 25:1-9; FRIDAY Colossians 3:1-17; SATURDAY Romans 8:31-39 SUNDAY: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:8-14; John 12:1-8
IN THE NEWS AT TEMPLE UMC!
DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PEACE PRACTICUM, SUNDAY MARCH 17 FROM 9:40am-10:50am Mirella Rangel, the Executive Director of Oakland Leaf Foundation, will be speaking on the organization that works hard to promote peace in our Bay Area.
RECYCLE YOUR E-WASTE WITH US! We are raising funds to support publicity needs of Temple United Methodist Church. This manner of fundraising also serves goals of the Mission and Justice team in that we are doing our part to reduce demand on new rare earth minerals that come primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Missionaries that we in part support are witness to the hardship and violence caused by the market for these materials. They provide alternatives to involvement in the violence through education from the primary through collegiate levels.
PALM SUNDAY IS 3/24. DON’T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FOLIAGE….
THE ALL-CHURCH RETREAT AT THE WALLER CENTER IS HAPPENING FRIDAY, MAY 17-MAY 18 AT THE WALLER CENTER Join us for a traditional revival-style retreat at the Waller Center, here in San Francisco, for our all-Church retreat while we deepen our spiritual souls and bond in our community.
THE WOMEN’S RETREAT IS HAPPENING MAY 10-12 Sign up now! We are staying at the Westminster House in Alamo, CA. $170/person, with meals and lodging provided (no cooking, no clean-up!) so we can focus on our spiritual growth. Please contact Dana in the office for more details.
JOIN US FOR FAITH AND FILM EACH MONTH Come watch a movie with us! Afterwards, stick around to discuss what in means to be a Christian within the context of the film. Each month a new movie is shown, so bring your popcorn, and bring a friend! The next showing is April 12 at 7pm in the William Taylor room. We’ll be watching “A Beautiful Mind.” Contact Bruce Hardin for more information.
**DATE CHANGE** THE WALK-A-THON IS HAPPENING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29! Save the date! And start thinking about sponsors if you want to get involved with the Walk-AThon! It’s going to be a blast, and we’ll raise money for our Food Pantry!
MONDAY NIGHT PRAYER CALL! If you have prayer concerns, requests, or celebrations, call in from the comfort of your own home and share. Every Monday, 8:30 pm call (409) 777-9000 PIN 836753
COME JOIN US FOR THE LENTEN SIMPLE SUPPER TONIGHT! We will be discussing today’s sermon topic and sharing a meal together. It starts at 5pm and goes until 7pm, here in Tippett Hall. Childcare will be provided.
OUR NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY IS READY! We are trying to go green, so if you are internet savvy, the online version is ready. Please go online and take a look. If there is any information that needs changed (email, phone number, etc) please let Dana or Julia Scott know. The web address is: http://directory.instantchurchdirectory.com/73903252/churchdirectory.pdf Contact Dana in the office for the password If you don’t have internet access, please let Dana know and she will order you a paper version.
IN OUR PRAYERS: Prayers of safekeeping for all those away travelling this weekend. Prayers for Tyree, his niece Lydia, and her family as they go through difficult times. Prayers of celebration for Scott, Shauna, and Caroline Webb, who welcomed their new baby boy (and brother), Andrew, into the world last Saturday. Prayers of celebration for Tom and Sue Rickert’s son-in-law, who no longer has a mass in his lungs. Greg Scott, who suffered a stroke. For Susie Worts, as she continues to recover from pneumonia. For Carol Korb, who is still recovering from a broken ankle. For Dana’s Grandmother, Marie Gill, who is dealing with medical issues. For Chuck and Lorene Rowland, who are both at home recovering. For Bobbie Wolgamott, for health and recovery.