LENT: DON'T FAIL THE TEST

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed. 7 But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong-not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 2 Corinthians 13:5

The first week of March 2014 includes Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian Church's season of Lent.  Lent marks the forty days before Easter, reminding believers of the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted. Traditionally during Lent, believers "give up" something - meat, sodas, sweets - as an indication of their willingness to be like Jesus, as well as in preparation for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday (Easter).

On Ash Wednesday, the ashes from the burnt palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday, are distributed in the congregation, typically by the pastor placing a smudge of ash (some traditions make the mark in the shape of a cross) on each member's forehead. The symbol of the ashes reminds us to be repentant of the ways in which we have failed to follow the commands of God and the ways of Jesus.

Lent is a time to examine ourselves as Paul instructed the church at Corinth to do.  Self-examination is a good thing, recommended by doctors to prevent all kinds of diseases.  Spiritual self-examination provides the opportunity to correct attitudes, behaviors, and habits in our lives that are contrary to God's Word.

We should not be afraid to be honest with ourselves about our sins, our shortcomings and even what may appear to be our failures. The scripture points out, we fail the test when we fail to be truthful and repentant. When we take an honest look at all that we have done and do, it may appear that we have failed God in so many ways. But, the ability to acknowledge our human inabilities helps us to rely more on God for what we cannot do for ourselves.  It is then that we become victorious and able to embrace the new life that the Resurrection represents! 

Graham-Webb-Kennedy Scholarship Applications Available

The Department of Lay Ministry, of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church believes that educating our young men and women is a positive step in helping to provide role models for future generations.  Thus, the Graham-Webb-Kennedy Scholarship named in honor of Dr. Willie L. Graham, Dr. Roscoe Webb, and Dr. Yvonne Kennedy will provide assistance to deserving CME students who plan to further their education after graduating from high school.  The Department of Lay Ministry will, therefore, award nine (9) Graham-Webb-Kennedy Scholarships (one from each Episcopal District within the United States) in an amount no less than $500 and not exceeding $1000. An additional 5% of the award amount will be provided to students who choose to attend a CME College.

Applicants for the scholarship must plan to enroll in a full-time program of study at an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational, or technical school.  The recipients must provide proof of enrollment prior to receiving the award.  After sufficient proof of enrollment, one-half of the award shall be made available to the institution (in the name of the institution and the student) for the fall semester and the remaining one-half after the beginning of the spring semester.  When the learning institution's classes are scheduled on a trimester basis, the award amount will be made in equal parts during each trimester.   Scholarship awards are to be used to assist with the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and/or supplies.

Selection of the Scholarship recipients will be based on: membership in the CME Church, academic achievement, financial need, strength of references, and a 300-400 word essay.  Completed applications must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2014.  PLEASE NOTE: EMAILED OR FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Click here to get the application package

DO YOU HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR OR SENIOR WHO IS INTERESTED IN ENROLLING IN COLLEGE?  

Technical assistance on the application process, financial aid, scholarships and other information is available through the MAPPING PATHWAYS TO COLLEGE PROJECT, sponsored by the Miles College CDC and the Fifth Episcopal District.  For more information, call 205-929-1139.  Sessions are held the second Saturday of each month through May. All assistance is free.

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IN THE NEWS

 

HBO is doing a documentary on our very own retired preacher Rev. Charles Dale, focusing on his work with the Civil Rights Movement. Camera crews were on hand to film and worship with him at St. Paul CME Church, Russellville, AL on February 23, 2014.  We will let you know when the program is going to air.  We are proud of you Rev. Dale!

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

March 3-9, 2014                

Annual Family and Friends Celebration

St. Paul, Docena, AL

 

March 5, 2014                   

Ash Wednesday

 

March 14-15, 2014           

Alabama Regions Spring Convocation 

and Quadrennial Celebration

Miles College Campus, Fairfield, AL

 

Go to www.cmefifthdistrict.org 

for schedule and registration

 

 

March 15, 2014                 

Behavioral Health Conference

Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, FL

 

March 16, 2014                 

141st Church Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration , Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church,              Jacksonville, FL

 

March 19-20, 2014           

Bishop Snorton, Guest Preacher, Religious Emphasis Week Chapel Services (11 am)

Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL

 

April 4-5, 2014          

Florida Region Spring Convocation 

and Quadrennial Celebration

Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Orlando, FL

 

Go to www.cmefifthdistrict.org

 for schedule and registration

 

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

Phenomenal Women's Summit

August 28-30, 2014

 

Register at

www.phenomenalwomenssummit.com