"IT'S OKAY BRIAN..."

Once a year on Ash Wednesday, we gather together as a congregation to begin the 40-day journey of Lent that concludes with Easter. During this service, in addition to

sharing in Holy Communion and marking our foreheads with the sign of an ashy cross, we pause and reflect on two things: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality.

As the one who preached the Ash Wednesday service this year, I attempted to craft the sermon in such a way that it forced us to linger for a few minutes with our own sinfulness. To that end, I highlighted how even though Psalm 51 was written thousands of years ago, the author seems to accurately articulate the sinful state in which I find myself today; "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight." And then to drive the point home, I quoted an article from Bishop Will Willimon in which he states,

"I am a rotten scoundrel. I do things that I ought not do. I know they are wrong, yet I do them anyway. I don't do things that I know I should do. I think way too better of myself than I ought. Even my best deeds are tainted with pride and selfishness. Sin is so much a part of my life that I cannot escape it."

Unbeknownst to me, there was a young girl sitting in the first pew named Celia who felt it necessary to respond to the verbalization of my own sinfulness. She began to quietly reply to my sermon,

"It's OK Brian...It's OK Brian..."

As I continued through my litany of confessions, Celia also continued to softly respond,

"It's OK Brian...It's OK Brian...God still loves you...God still loves you."

I wish I had heard Celia's innocent and profound articulation of the redemptive nature of God. I wish the whole congregation heard the small voice of this child who knows of God's unconditional love. Celia is right. It's OK Brian...It's OK Brittany...It's OK David... It's OK {your name here}...God still loves you. Those are among the greatest words we can hear as we prepare for the coming of Easter.

News

The Bereavement Support Group will meet next Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 pm in the Hospitality Room. This group meets the third Wednesday of each month to offer ongoing support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Save the date for the 2016 Global Great Day of Service: Saturday, April 30 with breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by Communion. This service project is perfect for all age groups and a great way for our church family to serve together. We will pack meals from 9 a.m. until noon through Stop Hunger Now, which provides food and life-changing aid to the world's most vulnerable communities. To sign up, please click here. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Our Blanket and Shawl Ministry meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. This group knits prayer shawls for our church and community. All are welcome. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Registration for Glisson Grow Day Camp at FUMC is open! Dates are June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is for children who have completed K-5th grade. Register at www.growdaycamps.org. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Fuse Soccer. Registration for our most popular sport is open. The season for ages 3K through 5th grade begins March 13 and ends on May 15. Click here to register. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The 3rd-5th grade Bible study continues on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Room 324. Fellowship with friends and explore the books of the Bible. For more information or to sign up, contact Kelly Duncan at ext. 7812. All are welcome, so invite friends!

Help prevent hunger in our community. Volunteer at the food pantry of our community development partner, the Center for Family Resources in the Mansour Building. Shifts are available on Thursdays and Fridays. To sign up or for more information, please contact Michelle Paracha at michelleparacha@mariettafumc.org or ext. 7803.

We invite you to serve with our Parking Ministry on Sunday mornings in half-hour and one-hour shifts from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help members who have difficulty walking getting to and from worship and Sunday School. Training is provided. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event setup and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 7829)

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

A Closer Look begins this coming Sunday! This is a class for visitors and new members who desire to learn more about the missions and ministries of First United Methodist of Marietta. The class meets in the Parlor at 10:10 a.m. Register by clicking here. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Make plans to attend Art from the Heart, the signature fundraiser supporting our Weekday Ministry Preschool & Kindergarten, at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. Enjoy an evening of desserts, live jazz, and silent and live auctions benefiting our school. Find Art from the Heart on Facebook or e-mail jennybruner@mariettafumc.org for more information.

Little Lambs Children's Consignment Sale is this week! Purchase gently used spring clothes and other items March 10-12 in the Family Life Hall. Pay $5 and shop from 2-8 p.m. at the preview sale on Thursday; regular sale hours are Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many items half-price on Saturday. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The Working Moms Bible Study meets next Monday, March 14 at 7:30 pm in the Reception Hall. All are welcome! (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

A Grief Support Group offers help and healing to those experiencing loss. Our next group will begin on this Wednesday, March 9 and will run for 6 weeks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Parlor. For more information or to register, contact Rev. Elaine Wilder at ext. 7826.

There will be a meeting for anyone interested in participating in the Republic of Georgia mission trip (for travel May 8-17) this Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in room 224. Learn more about the projects and people we will serve and the variety of ways you can get involved. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Dementia Caregivers Support Group

will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Volunteer to help with our Habitat for Humanity build this Saturday, March 12 or Saturday, April 2. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope by building affordable housing. You can help by volunteering to build or provide breakfast or lunch. You may sign up online at www.mariettafumc.org. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

The Senior Adults will take a trip to Gibb Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga., on Thursday March 10. We will depart at 11 a.m. and pause for lunch on-site at the garden. The cost of the trip is $22 plus lunch. Please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper

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

March 9
*This week, supper will be served the Reception Hall*

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids- chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Save the Date

Wednesday, March 9