PREACHING AND THE MOVIES

The Oscar presentations are this week, but now comes the stunning news that you and I either do not see many movies or we do not know which ones we should see. We hav Sam's Picture

e poor taste and do not know greatness when it is thrust before us. The Chicago Tribune reports today that two-thirds of Americans have not seen ANY of the nine movies nominated for Best Picture.

I admit that I have seen only two of the nominees. I really liked "Gravity," partly because I came along in the beginning of the space age and cheered for Shepard, Grissom, Glenn, and the others. I tried "American Hustle" largely in the hope that Amy Adams would reprise her role as Clint Eastwood's daughter in "Trouble With the Curve." She did not and I left early. So I have seven more nominees to see before Sunday night and I'm not going to make it.

You and I know that the most highly regarded movies are not always the most economically successful. The technicians and professionals see their work in one way and the public sees it another. What we hear about other forms of art is probably true for cinema as well: "I don't know what art is, but I know what I like." The public has a mind of its own.

And amazingly, the same is true for the sermons that I deliver here each week. I've laughed with you before that sometimes I preach what I think is a good sermon. It begins and ends well, there is a consistent theme, it is theologically correct, and in reality should be printed in books of greatest sermons and young ministers should be forced to memorize it. And you walk out the door and say nothing about it. You ask about the Braves or the weather or my tie. And then there are times when I have prepared poorly, the illustrations don't fit, and I contradict myself theologically. I really want to hide and I promise that next week I'll prepare better, and you walk out the door with tears in your eyes, you thank me, and you ask me how I knew exactly what you needed to hear. It is in those moments that I am most aware of the mystery and wonder of preaching.

I am convinced after forty-plus years that somewhere between my lips and your ears, the work of God gets done. Somehow God's spirit fashions my efforts and the most effective sermons are not the ones that I think are so technically perfect, but are the ones that feed souls and affirm the presence of God. Somehow the soul knows what it needs. I promise you that I will always try to remember the connections among my preparation, your needs, and the Spirit of the living God.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Our Ash Wednesday Services will be March 5 at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Church Family Supper will be at 5:15 p.m. in the Family Life Hall.

A meeting about the mission trip to the Republic of Georgia will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 201B. The trip is planned for April 21-30. We will work with a school for internally displaced persons. Contact Patty Mozley for more information.

Our 2014 Habitat build begins Saturday, March 8. Learn more here. Contact Forrest Cate at ext. 7806 or Jeff Kundrat for more information.

MFUMC's semi-annual Lil' Lambs preview sale is Thursday, March 6, 6-8 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. A $5 admission fee gets you in early to this popular children's consignment sale. The regular sale-with no admission fee-is Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, beginning at 9 a.m. on both days. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

The next Power 45! is Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. in the Family Life Hall.

Tutors are needed for Project Light, our English as second language and G.E.D. Training program. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Senior Adult Ministry will host a Come and Get It breakfast on March 19 at 9 a.m. Bring two guests and eat for free! (Jane Cooley, 770-427-2502 or Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

MFUMC's Senior Adult Ministry will host a St. Patrick's Day luncheon on Thursday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $10. Arie Motschman and Brenda Brent will provide music. RSVP by Tuesday, March 11. (Jane Cooley, 770-427-2502 or Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

The Youth will sponsor the annual Youth Mission Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser (complete with homemade sauce!) on Sunday, March 16 in the Family Life Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Choir Tour and the spring break mission trips. Tickets are $10, and donations are welcome. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

A mission trip team is forming to minister to the children of LaSenda children's home and school in Guatemala. The trip is June 1-6. (Martha Lee Sanders, 770-428-8115)

The Florida State University Singers will perform a free concert Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

This Week

Art from the Heart to benefit Weekday Ministry will be held this Saturday, March 1 from 6-9 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, on the Marietta Square. Join our preschool and kindergarten at this annual fundraiser that is centered around art created by Weekday Ministry children as well as adult artists. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)

Dr. Oral Moses, Babbie Mason and the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble will perform this Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. No tickets required; donations accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Oral Moses Scholarship at Kennesaw State University. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Night Supper is served at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Family Life Hall. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

February 26: Country fried steak or grilled tilapia, mashed potatoes, pintos, sautéed kale, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids: Grilled cheese, tater rounds, apple slices, Jell-O, salad bar and desserts.

Save the Date

Dr. Oral Moses, Babbie Mason

and The Georgia Spiritual Ensemble

Friday, February 28

Art From the Heart

Saturday, March 1

Middle School Retreat

Saturday, March 1

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, March 5

Republic of Georgia

Mission Trip Meeting