First United Methodist Church News
January 19, 2020
  
     Many thanks were offered for the much-needed rain.  How did we get so fortunate here in the Dublin area, we have not had a flood, or devastating fires, we aren’t digging out from two feet of snow, and no earthquakes?  Praise the Lord, praise His holy name!
     Last Sunday was “Human Relations Day’ in the United Methodist Church.  This day honors the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
     The Rev. Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”    
     Several of our members are dealing with a cough and chest congestion. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
     Two newcomers to our community visited with us Sunday.  We were pleased to meet them and hope they come back soon.  Neva Smith’s son, Mike Hancock, visited with us again.
      DJ Klutts says that “Hopping John” with cornbread will be served at the Community Table next week.   For those who aren’t current on great southern food, Hopping John is black-eyed peas with chunks of ham, usually served over rice.  I eat my serving with a splash of pepper sauce.
     Volunteers are always needed for Community Table and we need pies, cobblers, and cakes to serve to the “in house” crowd. 
     Speaking of volunteers, several members of our congregation are also members of the Rotarian Club which grilled five-hundred hamburger patties last Saturday. The patties were for the students in town attending the Power Lifting event at Dublin High School.  I admire these volunteers for the good they do.    
     The Worship Leader was Nancy Wooldridge and Joe and Jaxson Salinas were acolytes.
     Nancy read the scripture lesson from John 1:29-42.
     Sammy Moore requested prayers for his stepmother.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Aha, I See It Now!”
    John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look!  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  John testified, “I saw the Spirit coming down from Heaven like a dove, and it rested on Him.”
     When was the last time you had an “Aha! Moment? A revelation? An epiphany? WE have all had a moment of truth, a sudden insight that changed our life.
     What is God trying to say to you and me about our lives?  What could God be doing in this world through you and me?  There are three stages to this great moment. 
     First the realization, the awakening.  The second stage is when we are honest with ourselves and take responsibility.  In the third stage we decide to take action and fully live out the truth God is trying to show us.
     Are we going to make our objective the obedience to God’s will?  There is a world outside these church doors that is separated from God and they are dying in sin.  You, and I can point them to the source of new life and salvation.  Let’s take action!
     Our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
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​First United Methodist Church News
January 12, 2020
  
     We hope everyone had a Happy and safe new year.  And I hope everyone is finally getting well from the flu, stomach virus, and respiratory problems.  I’ve had all three and I am ready for sunshine and to start walking all over town.
      There are January and February Upper Room booklets on the table in the narthex.  This publication is uplifting to read for anyone.  Take one to a shut-in for their enjoyment.  
     David and Annette Cleveland enjoyed another Happy Anniversary on the second of this month.
     Those celebrating birthdays this month are, Cole Moore, Virginia Stephen, Raymond Salinas, Brady Moore, Sammy Moore, Robert Sohm, and Ike Wade.
     Cole Moore and Jaden Harrell are in our prayers, let’s hope these youngsters are back to being “fit as a fiddle “ very soon.
     Robert Sohm has been ill, and Irene is on the mend.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family, friends and the people of Dublin in the passing of Mary Yantis.
      DJ Klutts served as Worship Leader last Sunday, Raymond Salinas was acolyte, and I ran the Power Point.
     DJ gave the scripture reading, it was from Matthew 3:13-17.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “An Invitation That Went Astray.”
     In our Bible lesson, John the Baptist is giving an invitation to the people of Jerusalem and Judea to repent, confess their sins and be baptized because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  John directed his most demanding preaching at the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious elites.  He was telling them, “Don’t think you’re too good for this!  You better get over here now and get baptized and begin living a life that shows you have repented and turned back to God!”  Now that may not be exactly what John said, but it’s the gist of his message.
     It’s different when Jesus comes to be baptized by John. He tries to deter Him. John says, “I need to be baptized by you.”  Was this invitation for everyone but Jesus?  Was this a case of an invitation gone astray?  But Jesus answers with the words. “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  Jesus needed to give us an example of a life that is aligned with God’s will.  He also identified Himself with those He came to save, namely you and I.  This is an important time in Jesus’ life, up until now He was a nice fellow who did carpentry.  After His baptism the glory of God shown down on Him, His old life was left behind, and His ministry began. 
     When we are baptized, we are leaving our old life behind, because now we belong to God. New life in Jesus is not an add-on, like an app. It is an exchange; you give up your old life for a new one in Jesus.  Is your life as a follower of Jesus, any different than those friends or relatives that do not know Christ?

​First United Methodist Church News
December 25 & 29, 2019
  
     Our Christmas Eve service was wonderful, and the congregation wants to thank everyone who worked to make it a success.
     The lighting of the Advent Wreath and Christ candle was done by the Salinas family, Raymond, Adrienne, Joe and Jaxon.    
     The Christmas story from Luke was read by Tyler Harrell, Ally Leatherwood, Jaden Harrell, Noah Harrell, Joe Salinas, and Silas Leatherwood read from the Book of John.
     Leta Sage sang “Heaven Rejoices” and Julia Broussard sang “O Holy Night.”
     Rev. Ken Lunsford preached a short sermon titled “Joy!” Then we departed the sanctuary with a lighted candle while singing “Silent Night, Holy Night.”
      The refreshment table contained the largest “spread” we have ever served.  The refreshment ladies did their usual great job, but other members brought extra food.   Attendees stayed and visited and remarked how nice everything was.
      The left-over cookies were packed for January Community Table and while Patty Hirst was straitening up the kitchen, she found a big box full of cookies already in plastic bags.  It was a blessing
that made us laugh.  Patty and I stored many cookies in the deep freeze.
      Last Sunday, Jeanne Wendt served as our Worship Leader, she read the scripture lesson from Matthew 2:13-23. 
     Pat Beaty was well enough to play the piano for us.  Pat was too ill to sing for us on Christmas Eve.
     It seemed everyone at church, including Pastor Ken, had a cough or stuffy nose.  There was much coughing and clearing of the head before each hymn was sung.  Pastor Ken said we had a chorus going!
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Wanda Weible and Joe Hallmark.
     “Back to the Real World” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     Pastor Jon Walton said, “Nothing is as over as Christmas when it’s over.”  Life has come back to normal, whatever that is.  Whenever all the pretty lights and decorations are packed away, what is left?  Still war and unrest in Iraq and Afghanistan, problems with homeless people, influenza, and terrible weather in parts of our nation.
     There is an inevitable letdown. But Mary and Joseph and the baby weren’t allowed to reside permanently in Bethlehem, and neither can we.  It’s back to the real world for us. But our world does not compare to the world the Holy Family lived in. They dealt with a time where a cruel tyrant could order all infants and toddlers to be put to death.  There were no jets to take them to Egypt, the back of a donkey or possibly on foot, would have to do.  Joseph did as the Lord told him to do, he trusted God.
Why did Jesus come down to us?   For one reason and one reason only!  We read in John 3:16, that God so Loved the World!!  Love came down at Christmas!
     The manger was just the beginning of God’s plan, there is much to be done. The baby must become a man, He must teach us His ways, then we must teach the world.  We must trust God.  We must Love the Lord our God with all our Heart, Mind, Strength and Soul and Love our neighbor as our self!  We need to take care of those we love, and we should love our neighbor, All our neighbors!  Let us remember the world to whom Christ came and for which He died. 
Thanks for reading!
 

​First United Methodist Church News
December 22, 2019
    
     Brookshire Brothers supermarket, here in Dublin donated a large amount of food and some toys to the Food Pantry.  Our members, along with all the good folks who keep the Food Pantry active want to say a deep appreciation to Brookshire Brothers. 
     December’s Community Table was a big success.  DJ Klutts, Mary Haley, Neva Smith and the kitchen ladies had a large group of volunteers show up. Volunteers started getting the takeout boxes ready the day before so on Table night, things went smoothly.  There was a big crowd that came to eat in fellowship hall.  It is always like a party and everyone is having a nice time.
     Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation before 2019 is over, please think about Dublin First United Methodist Church.  We must keep the building up to provide a place for all these activities which help our community. 
     Our congregation received a wonderful letter from the President of the Council of Bishops, Ken Carter.  He writes, in these days many of us realize, even as we walk this road, we have not arrived at our destination.  Every year we light the candles of hope and peace, joy, love and light.  And yet every year we confess our desire for a greater sense of hope and not despair, light and not darkness.
     As we journey through Advent on to Christmas, we hear the prophet Isaiah’s invitation: “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”  For many of us this culminates as we stand in a dark sanctuary on Christmas Eve, holding a candle, sharing the light of Christ. “The light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John1:5
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Gwen Brown and also the family and friends of Jimmy Whitehead, Bret Greenway and Bill Gilbreath.      
     I served as Worship Leader and read scripture from Matthew 1:18-25.
     Gene and DJ Klutts did the lighting of the Advent candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent.  DJ read a message that told us it is better to not go alone on our Advent journey.  We need companions to support us, strengthen us, and encourage us.  We learn to trust that someone has our back on this journey of faith.
     “God with Us,” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.  He preached on the first chapter of Matthew, he said it brings us home, home to the real meaning of Christmas.  Namely this, “GOD is with us!”  When we accept Christ into our lives, nothing, not even death, can separate us from God and His love.
     Matthew quotes from the Old Testament when the prophet foretold: Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel.” (God with us.)
     All of us get scared sometime.  Jesus knew we felt fearful, anxious, or troubled.  In His lessons Jesus often said, “Fear not,” “Don’t be anxious,” “Let not your hearts be troubled.”
     With Christmas comes the great promise that calms our fears and lets us celebrate life, it is Emmanuel “God is with us.”  That’s the Good News of our Christian faith. Love came down at Christmas. Merry Christmas!
 

​First United Methodist Church News
December 15, 2019
     Christmas Eve Services at First United Methodist Church will be at 7:00 p.m. on December 24, 2019 in our sanctuary.  All are invited and welcomed!
There will be the reading of the Christmas story by our children, carol singing by the congregation, specials will be sung, and a short sermon. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at 630 Highland Ave in Dublin.
     Area Methodist churches made cookies for the troops, they were tagged, boxed and almost four hundred boxes of two dozen each were taken to Dyess Air Base in Abilene.
     Lee and Betty Lusk gave the Advent reading and the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath.
      DJ Klutts was our Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Matthew 11:2-19.
    We were happy to see Donna Starkey’s smiling face with us Sunday.  She may be a guest, but it doesn’t seem like it.   
     Conner Moore was named the “Outstanding Bio-Medical Student” during his graduation this month from Tarleton University.  Now Conner moves forward on in his quest to become a physician.  God speed Conner.
     Juanita Duncan’s granddaughter, Kellie, graduated last Saturday From Texas Woman’s University Nursing School in Denton. Janita, along with other family members attended, and witnessed the “Pinning” ceremony.
     Lee and Betty Lusk’s granddaughter, Macy, has moved to San Antonio to continue her studies at University of Texas at San Antonio.  Macy is classified as a junior.
    Mine and Pastor Ken’s granddaughter, Amy McCarley, has graduated from Brewer High School this December. Amy is five months ahead of most of her classmates because she took extra courses and some college classes.  She starts in January to Tarrant County College.
    We are praying for Mary Yantis; she has had some setbacks and is in the hospital in Fort Worth.  We all need to see what we can do to help Mary.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to Jack Parks and the Parks family on the death of Jack’s brother, Harold Wayne Parks.
   Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Are You the One Who Is to Come?” 
     Today’s scripture lesson tells us that when John the Baptist was in prison, he sent word to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”  Jesus told them “to report what they have seen: the blind now see; the deaf now hear; the people with skin diseases are cleansed; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news proclaimed to them.  Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.”  When they had gone, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John.  He asked them about what they went out into the wilderness to see and hear.   Jesus says, yes, John is a prophet and more than that.  He is the one of whom it is written: Look, I’m sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you.
     Centuries before John and Jesus, there was a prophet named Isaiah.  He prophesied about what would take place when the Messiah arrived.  Isaiah said, “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped: the lame shall leap like a deer.”  Those weren’t the kind of signs John was expecting.  He was looking for a grander, more dramatic, appearance.  That is not God’s way. God chooses to work in the little places of life. Like a manger, a carpenter’s shop, and a cross. Amen.
     Christmas is coming, it is nearly here.  You can grumble and fuss and refuse to participate, but you won’t impress Christmas. I suggest you laugh, sing, and put up as many lights as you can afford, no matter what terrible tragedy you experienced at this time of year.  You see- I promised, someone I loved, long ago that I would not let their passing ruin Christmas.  And I don’t, you can see me coming clear up the block, I’m the one wearing red and gaudy earrings, I’ll be laughing and waving to everyone!  Merry Christmas, Judy
 

​First United Methodist Church News
December 8, 2019
     Community table is this Wednesday. Lasagna, tossed salad, bread and dessert will be served.
     If I were you, I would be here to volunteer so I could be close to the kitchen. 
     Christmas Eve Services are coming together nicely.  It will be a beautiful, meaningful evening.
     We need the cookies for the military by this coming Sunday.  Let’s not disappoint these folks who sacrifice so much.
     Our faithful member, Julia Broussard, sang with the community choir that performed the “Messiah” at Tarleton last Saturday. They were accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.   
     Laura Leatherwood served as Worship Leader.  She read the scripture lesson from Matthew 3:1-12.
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Vic Jones.
     We added Janie and Lon Laquay to our prayer list.  Janie has a broken arm that did not behave itself and needed to be re-broken and set again. This is a bad time of the year to not have use of both hands.
     Juanita Duncan gave the Advent reading and Neva Smith did the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath.
     Pastor Ken gave a short program for the lighting of the Chrismon tree at the altar rail of our church.  He said as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, let us remember whenever you see a lighted Christmas tree, The One who brings light to our darkness, healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive Him. Amen.
    Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Repent! Get the Garbage Out.”
     John the Baptist preached “Change your hearts and lives!   Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”
People from Jerusalem, all throughout Judea and the Jordan River came to John.  They confessed their sin and were baptized in the Jordan. When many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, John called them children of snakes!   He told them to produce fruit that shows you have changed your heart and lives.  John also told them one is coming after me and I am not worthy to carry His sandals.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
     God had chosen John to be the prophet who announces the arrival of the Messiah.  The world needed to know God’s plan for the salvation of the world was kicking into high gear.  John preached “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  Christ is coming, Get the garbage out and repent!
     You almost never hear the word repent, in our modern society anymore. But repent was the first word of John the Baptist’s gospel, the first word of Jesus’ gospel, first word in the preaching ministry of the twelve disciples, and it is the first word in the preaching instructions Jesus gave to His disciples after His resurrection.  You need to change your mind and understanding to reflect God’s purposes. You need to get right with the Lord.  It is the first step.  Sin comes from turning away from the love of and reverence for God. But the fruit of repentance is joy and peace.
     Don’t just go through the motions this Christmas season. Get the garbage out and bear the fruit that comes from knowing you are restored to God. Amen.
 

 

December 1, 2019
    
    It is time to get those nut-free and peanut butter free cookies baked for the troops and put one dozen cookies in a zip lock bag. The church will box for transport.  Sunday, December 15 is the cutoff date for the cookies. Don’t forget our military as we rush to get things done.
     Community Table is moved up to December 18!  Please come, but, show up on the 18th. 
    We are decorated and ready to shine with plenty of green swags and red bows.
     Our Worship team met after church this past Sunday to plan the Christmas Eve services.  Special solos and Bible reading along with Christmas carols will be enjoyed.  The time was set for the Christmas Eve Service is 7:00 p.m.   
    Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Isaiah 2:1-15.
    The Advent reading and lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath was done by Dr. Harlan and Eddie Raley.
   A prayer rail offering was taken for the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco.  This program serves more than 1,400 children and youth daily through residential programs at the Waco campus, the Boys Ranch, foster homes, transition services and a variety of additional services throughout Texas and New Mexico.
     The Dublin Goodfellows and Transformation Pathways (formerly Christian Women’s Job Core) could sure use your donations this Christmas.  And the local library and Transformation Pathways have “angel trees’ with families names and information who could use a helping hand this season. 
    Paul and Pat Beaty have an anniversary on the 23rd then Gene and DJ Klutts celebrate on the 26th.   Ben Pate has a birthday on the 26th.   Congratulations to all.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford’s message was titled “A Vision of Hope.”
     The Prophet Isaiah is called by God to pronounce God’s coming judgment on the people of Jerusalem and Judah.  Isaiah also is given a vision of hope, of God’s plan to restore God’s chosen people someday.  Isaiah can see a day when God’s Messiah rules the nations of the world with peace and justice.  Isaiah has a vivid picture of what life will be like someday, in the last days, when God’s people finally turn back to their Lord.  Isiah had this vision 700 years before Christ’s birth.
      This is a good Bible passage to start off the Advent season, when we prepare for Jesus’ coming. For Emmanuel means; God with us.  Jesus is our second chance to undo the damage of our sin and restore us.  Jesus is our view from the mountaintop.  Don’t miss this opportunity.
 
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​First United Methodist Church News
November 24, 2019
    
      Remember to bake nut-free cookies for the troops and put one dozen cookies in a zip lock bag.  The church has the boxes for transport, two bags will be put in each box.  December 15 is the cutoff date to accept cookies.
     Please get the word out that Community Table is moved up to December 18 because of Christmas falling on the last Wednesday in December. 
    This coming Tuesday, First United Methodist Church will be “Hanging the Greens” at 1:00 p.m.  Helping with this project is a sure way to get in the Christmas spirit.
    Nancy Wooldridge served as Worship Leader while Cole Moore, Joe and Jaxon Salinas were our acolytes.
     Pastor Ken Lunsford made a presentation of a $300 check to Sammy Moore, Finance Chair,  from the West District Wildly Important Goals Program that we received at the Annual Charge Conference held at Hico, Texas.  The check was awarded to our congregation from the West District because of the number of Professions Of Faith membership and increased attendance.
     Neva Smith asked for continued prayers for her son, Mike Hancock.  Nancy Wooldridge spoke about her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Stine, who is fighting a terrible disease. 
     Rev. Ken Lunsford dedicated his sermon, “Counting Our Spiritual Blessings,” to Mary Jane. 
     Our scripture reading was John 6:25-59.  It is in this lesson that Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
     Jesus is speaking to a crowd who followed Him after seeing five small loaves of bread and two fish feed five thousand people.  But Jesus isn’t impressed with their interest. He says they are looking for Him because they ate their fill.  Then He warns them, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
     The thing that matters in life is relationships; relationships with other people and with God.  People who feel loved can be happy in any situation.  People who focus on other things are guaranteed to experience heartache someday, because everything else is temporary.
     Be thankful this Thanksgiving for the people you love and for those who love you. Be thankful that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for our salvation. 
     Sunday evening Pastor Ken and I attended the Dublin Ministerial Alliance “Community Thanksgiving” Service held this year at the First Baptist Church.  Rev. Weldon Branham led the congregation in singing up-lifting music and Vickey Stone was the pianist.  Mike Simpson delivered a beautiful invocation and Rev. Ken Lunsford delivered the offertory prayer and read the scripture lesson.  Rev. Mike Hannah preached on overcoming fear and to remember that perfect love casts out all fear. And, Then Rev. Gerald Freeman gave a meaningful benediction.  The offering raised will be divided between Transformation Pathways and Dublin Goodfellows.
     The First Baptist had a marvelous array of cookies, muffins, and sponge cake waiting for us in fellowship hall.  We appreciate their efforts and fine cooking.
     Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
 

First United Methodist Church News
November 17, 2019
    
      Hello friends, I have missed writing my news. I have been ill with this and that and then I added the stomach virus to my list.  Next, I passed the virus along to Pastor Ken.   It was a humbling experience for both of us.  I put washing my soiled bed sheets right up there with foot washing. 
      I missed going to the Annual Charge Conference which was held at Hico First United Methodist Church.  On Sunday afternoon, November 10th, Rev. Ken Lunsford and eight local members along with most all of the West District representatives, came together to report on the life of their church and plans for the coming year.
      Dublin First and Laurel St. United Methodist Church were recognized for growth in attendance and added members.  Each received a check for $300.00 to help with continued growth.
     The attendees heard a motivating sermon by our District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Lisa Neslony.
    Prayers were offered for me, Dr. Harlan Raley, Judy Beckham, Dr. Rodney Snyder, and Neva Smith’s son, Mike Hancock.
     Lisa Leatherwood is going for a regular check-up and Conner Moore is going to be interviewed for medical school.  We pray for a successful outcome for them.
     The Community Thanksgiving Service is at Dublin First Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m.  Rev. Michael Hannah of Greens Creek United Methodist will bring the sermon.  Refreshments will follow the service in the fellowship hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship the Lord with many friends and neighbors.
      Community Table was early this month, we had it this Wednesday.  The ham, macaroni and cheese supper was great!  There are no meal deliveries on 11-27.
      We are scheduled to decorate the church for Christmas on 12-3 at 1:00 p.m. This can be a joyous event if you have enough help.
     When Jesus was asked by a scribe which commandment is the first of all, He answered, “The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  The scribe replied to Jesus, “Well said teacher, you are right.”  When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
    That’s where I want to live, don’t you, near to the kingdom of God? 
    In His answer to this question, Jesus boils all the Law, the Commandments and all the teachings of the prophets down into one word; Love.
    It’s easy to be a Christian if that means keeping the “thou shall nots” of the law. And it is easy to come to worship from time to time and put some money in the offering plate.  We can wait for the hurting people to come to us and we can apply a few Band-Aids………... But friends, that is not love.
    Every time we perform an act of love, we glorify Christ.
 
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First United Methodist Church News
October 27, 2019
    
     Pastor Ken asks that our members plan to attend the Charge Conference to be held on Sunday, 11-10 at 3:30 p.m. at Hico First United Methodist Church. Committee chairs are especially asked to attend, and dinner will be provided. Call Leta Sage at our church to reserve your meal.  Mark the calendar now so you do not forget.
     The November/December Upper Room booklets are here and on the table in the narthex.
      Dublin United Methodist along with all the United Methodist in this area will be baking cookies for our military service people for Christmas.  You are encouraged to begin early and freeze your cookies.  Have a cookie night with your children or grandchildren, it will be a meaningful lesson for the youngsters and a blessing for the troops.
      I was relieved to be back in church last Sunday.  I am still getting my strength back after having the flu. 
      DJ Klutts served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Luke 18:9-14.  This scripture tells a parable about two people who went to the temple to pray.  One, a Pharisee, stood and prayed aloud about what a good man he was.   The other person stood some distance away, he was a tax collector.  He prayed with his eyes looking down, he struck his own chest and said, “God, show mercy to me a sinner.”  Jesus said that the lowly tax collector was justified rather than the Pharisee.
“All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”
      “God, Show Mercy to Me, A Sinner” was the title of Rev Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
      This Bible passage starts with the words, “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.”  I think that Jesus wanted His audience to know, that when we compare ourselves to others, we turn religion into a competition.  And self-righteousness is not the same thing as holiness.  Our identity is based on who God is and the Bible says that God is holy, holy, holy!  You cannot know who God is and still hold on to your pride and smugness.
     In today’s parable Jesus says, “he went home justified.”  What does that mean? It means his sins were forgiven. He got the mercy he prayed for.
     So, that is why God sent His perfect, sinless Son, Jesus, to take away the penalty of our sins and make us holy in His eyes.
    We believe God’s infinite love is available to all, call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com , our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
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