Those with birthdays in the second half of April are; Laura Leatherwood 4-22, Ray La Baume 4-24, Annette Cleveland 4-25, Lisa Leatherwood 4-28, and Kathy Logan 4-30.
Laura leatherwood gave the children’s lesson to an attentive, lively group of kids. Laura spoke about holding grudges and staying angry at people who hurt our feelings. Laura wore a wadded piece of packing tape on her hand and compared it to the resentment we can carry around. She said we need to “blow that off” because it gets in the way of the things we want to do. We can also “blow off” the little thoughtless things our friends and family say and do.
God wants us to forgive and if we expect to be forgive then must practice forgiveness.
Our congregation extends sympathy to the family of J.C. Humphries. Mr. Humphries is the father of Stormy Armstrong; she would appreciate your prayers for herself, her mom Pat, and her brothers Chris and Sam.
Laura Leatherwood read the scripture lesson from John 21:1-19. The sermon delivered by Rev. Ken Lunsford was titled “Do You Love Me? – Follow Me!”
Jesus had continued to appear to his disciples. He calls to them from the bank while they are fishing on the Sea of Tiberius. Then the Lord builds a fire and prepares to cook breakfast for his followers. Jesus also asks Simon Peter “Do you love me?” Peter replies “Yes Lord, you know love you.” Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. He also asks Peter to feed His lambs and to take care of his sheep. Lastly Jesus says to Peter “Follow me.”
John writes of the details of the breakfast to underscore the reality of the resurrection. The resurrection was not a dream or a hoax. The Risen Lord has defeated death, He is in His earthly resurrected body cooking for His friends and eating with them.
We also see Jesus is saying to Simon Peter, “I believe in you, you are still the rock. You can do it, but you have to put your failure behind you. You are forgiven and the slate is wiped clean. You can start over.
The best way to love Christ is to love His sheep. He doesn’t want burnt offerings or pious expressions. He wants us to follow Him and imitate His loving ways.
Remember church is a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints! So will we see you in church on Sunday?
If you have a prayer request call the office at 254-445-2157 or email us at fumcdublin@embarqmail.com