YES, SPRINGTIME

March was no help to us at all this year. In fact, I think March completely reneged on its springtime responsibilities and joined January and February in bringing more winter. Like those months, March was full of Sam's Picture rain and clouds and cold and fog. It even tossed a little snow our way a few days ago, but there were just a few flakes and nothing like those snowfalls earlier. I think Franz Josef Haydn was speaking of our March when he wrote, "As yet the year is unconfirmed, the oft-returning winter's blast the bud and bloom destroy."

But now comes April and the promise of springtime, though late, is being confirmed. Perhaps now we can put the really heavy coats in the back of the closet and the snow boots back on the basement shelf. There are buds and blooms in the yard, a robin in the church yard, and children on the playground. I drove over the weekend with the windows down and actually did a little yard work. Bobbi planted her herb garden. Spring is here and winter, after all, does not last forever.

And we see again in the seasons one of the truths of God's world. To be sure, darkness and cold abound. Rain comes and the bitter winds of despair and trouble blow against our lives. We huddle together and tremble. And sometimes the wind and rain go on and on and on, unending. And sometimes we get more than our share. Next door, spring has come and there is great joy, but the winter stays over our home and over our lives. Is it here to stay?

The promise of our faith is that the clouds will break and the sun will appear. Even after we have given up hope, the assurance that God is with us will come, and with the coming is new hope and a new assurance. Then, somehow, we are confident again.

God moves mysteriously and only according to the agenda of heaven, but God moves. Winter will not last forever is God's great promise. Soon comes the spring.

I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Order your Easter lilies! Remember or honor your loved ones with an Easter lily on Easter Day. The lilies are $12. Please complete an order form, which is available online, by Sunday, April 13 and return it to Arie Motschman or place it in the offering plate. (Arie Motschman, ext. 7818)

Help stock the MFUMC food pantry during April. Every week, members of our community depend on the MFUMC pantry for food. Please donate non-perishable food items throughout the month of April by leaving them in the specially marked bins throughout the church. For more information, click here.

What is Stephen Ministry? A Stephen Minister is a trained caregiver who will listen, pray and walk alongside you during a difficult time. Our team of Stephen Ministers have responded to Christ's call to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) This ministry can offer care during times of grief, unemployment, hospitalization, terminal illness, separation and divorce, loneliness, or struggles with faith. To begin receiving care or for more information contact Rev. Elaine Wilder by e-mail or at ext. 7826.

On May 3, join us for the 2014 MFUMC Sporting Clays Tournament to support Men's Missions. Enjoy a day with friends at historic Burge Plantation shooting clays while supporting a great cause. For more information, click here.

Meet missionary Dan Koenig as we plan a mission trip to Ecuador this summer. Join us on Tuesday, April 15 in Room 220 at 7 p.m. The trip is scheduled for June 20-29. (Ed Payne-evenings at 678-852-4205 or e-mail at huskered40 @aol.com.

A mission trip to Guatemala is forming to work with LaSenda children's home and school on improvement projects and teaching and ministering to students and residents. The trip is June 1-6. (Martha Lee Sanders, 770-428-8115)

Save the Date for MFUMC's Great Day of Service on Saturday, April 26. Help with projects including Stop Hunger Now, a Road Race, hygiene kits, and sewing projects. Contact Beth Gilland. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806).

VBS and Summer Camp online registration is open! Visit the MFUMC Web site for details about the Summer of Wonders! There are a variety of camps for ages nursery through 5th grade. Contact Kelly Duncan with any questions. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

This Week

Holy Week begins this Sunday
Palm Sunday, April 13

9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Children are invited to gather in the Narthex
prior to Worship to process in with palms.

10:10 a.m.

Sunday School

Wednesday April 16

through Friday, April 18

Stations of the Cross

Reception Hall

Wednesday, April 16
4-8 p.m.

Thursday, April 17

9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

Friday, April 18

9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Children's choirs rehearse
5:15-6:15 p.m.

Church Family Supper

in the Family Life Hall

Maundy Thursday, April 17

5:45-6:45 p.m.
Dinner served in the Family Life Hall
7 p.m.
Worship in Sanctuary

Holy Saturday, April 19

11 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt in Park on Polk

Hot Dog lunch will be served

Easter Sunday, April 20

6:30 a.m.

Sunrise Worship in Park Pavilion
7-10:30 a.m.

Breakfast served
in the Family Life Hall
8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Worship in Sanctuary
10:10 a.m.

Sunday School
All morning

Flowering of the Cross in the Fountain Courtyard

Connect Through Table Fellowship

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

April 9th: Breaded pork chop or grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, pintos, green beans, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids: Corndogs, tater rounds, salad bar and desserts

Save the Date

Special Blessing Support Group
April 9

Dementia Caregivers Support Group

April 9

Senior High Outing

April 11

Palm Sunday

April 13

Power 45!

April 13

Epworth Mission Trip Meeting

April 13

A Closer Look