Monday, March 14, 2011

Giving Up or Taking On?

'Giving up something' for Lent is an ancient custom.  In modern practice, we often give up something we don't need (desserts, candy, etc.).  The virtue of this is it engages the person in personal discipline and commitment.

 

I share with you, however, the reason the Reformers side-stepped this ancient custom:  it often disengages the believer from the world.  Christianity is about personal piety,  but it must also transcend it.  Faith as only" my personal relationship with God through Christ" is partial discipleship.  Lent is a time for personal housekeeping, but it must also be a time when we take a hard look at transforming unjust and evil structures in society. 

 

May I suggest that rather than giving-up something,  Lent is a time to focus on one need in our society - one place where God's love and justice is needed; and reflect, pray, fast and ask the question: "Lord, what would you have me do about this problem?"

 

In faith,

tim-sign

Pastor Tim

Faith Ponderings ...

"Any religion that professes to be concerned with the souls of men and is not concerned with the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, and the social conditions that cripple them is dry-as-dust religion."

 

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Letter from  Birmingham City Jail"

1963

Tuesdays Together ...

tt_logoTuesdays Together

Dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Faith Center

$7.50 per adult,

 $3 for 6-12 yr olds

$20 family max.

 

This Week's Menu

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Potatoes

To reserve your seat for dinner,
call the church office (239) 542-2858.

 

6:00 pm - CAYAN Programs

 

"The First Gospel - Mark" - 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

 

Tuesday nights, Pastor Tim is leading an in-depth Bible study on the Gospel of Mark. As we approach Easter, this would make an excellent Lenten discipline! The study is repeated Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in Hunt Chapel.

  • March 15 - The Preaching of Jesus (Chapters 5 & 6)
  • March 22 - Faith & Discipleship (Chapters 7 & 8)
  • March 29 - From Galilee to Jerusalem (Chapters 9 & 10)
  • April 5 - The End Times (Chapters 11, 12, & 13)
  • April 12 - The Last Supper (14), Crucifixion (15), and The First Easter (16)
Faith Connections...    

Purdue Varsity Glee Club

 

The Purdue Glee Club will be presenting a concert tonight, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Tickets are $20. There are only a few tickets remaining. This high energy vocal group presents a wide variety of music, and we are sure you will enjoy the performance. Be sure to get your tickets today!

 

purdue glee club 

 

ballroom dancer 

Ballroom Tea Dance

 

When: Sunday, March 20, 2011

Where: Faith Center

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $5.00 per person, pay at the door

 

All are welcome. Dancing with DJ Frank.  Coffee, tea and soda included. Please     contact Michelle for more information.

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Join Us for Brunch

Planning the Future (Yours and Ours)

 

On March 16, immediately following the Tuesdays Together repeat, at 11:15 a.m.,

a brunch will be served in Fellowship Hall. Whether you think of yourself as rich or poor, or somewhere in between, your gift can make a difference. Even a small amount can have a big impact over time. We will be honoring the members of the Legacy Society for their contributions. As

a direct result of individuals remembering Faith in their planning, we have a new

organ and new choir robes.

 

Also, a representative from Finemark will

be here to give a short presentation. This

is a fantastic opportunity to learn how the future of Faith can be in your plans today. Please call the church office by noon today if you plan to attend. 

  

Upcoming Musical Programs ...
  • March 14 - Purdue Varsity Glee Club at 7:00 p.m. (tickets are $20)
  • March 18 - SWFL Symphony at 7:30 p.m. (tickets are $20)
  • March 27- 50th Anniversary Hymn Festival at 4:00 p.m. (free-will offering)
  • March 28 - SWFL Youth Symphony at 7:00 p.m.  
  • April 1 - Melody Booth Orchestra at 7:00 p.m. (free to the public)

You may purchase tickets in the church office during regular business hours, or online, please indicate under "special offering," the name of the concert you are buying tickets for.

Faith Archives ...