Yo-yo faith

Welcome to another week! March 20 is the first day of spring. I can hardly wait.

Pastor Dave Bell led a Lenten worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The sermon, “Come Home to God” focused on Joel 2:1-2 and 12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; and Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-21. Pastor Dave imposed the ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. Afterward we took communion. It was a solemn and powerful worship service.

In his sermon, Pastor Dave said, “God’s plan begins with a broken heart.”

What a statement.

Lent is the season to take stock of one’s spiritual life. This service reminded me that self-examination is crucial to spiritual growth.

Sometimes I’m so full of faith I know without a doubt God is in control and everything I’m concerned that all will work out fine. My faith is up. Sometimes I’m so worried about circumstances I’m facing I can’t get out of bed. My faith is down. Sometimes I feel at peace and can relax. I have yo-yo faith.

Fortunately God doesn’t have yo-yo grace.

Noah Webster defines grace in his 1828 English Dictionary as “…the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.” God gives grace to everyone who has placed his or her faith in Jesus. That’s all we have to do: Ask Jesus for forgiveness for our sins and ask him to take over our lives. Then we’re saved from sin and death and brought into the family of God.

God sees his son when he sees us, and he gives us continuous grace. He isn’t like people, who change their minds. In Malachi 3:6 God says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” (NKJV)

If you want to examine yourself and your faith, Lenten services would be a great place to start.

Pastor Dave Bell will lead Lenten worship services at Fallowfield United Methodist at 7 p.m. on March 12, 19, 26, and April 2 and 9. Please consider yourself invited.

Calvary United Methodist Church of Greenville is hosting Lenten Luncheons every Wednesday from March 12 through April 9. Each week features a luncheon prepared by United Methodist Women from various churches, a message from a local pastor, and special music. I attended one of these services in the past and was very impressed by the meal, the message, and the music.

Volunteer fire fighters and auxiliary members served a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8. These monthly meals gather funds for the fire department. - To next page

There was also a community breakfast at Kennard United Methodist Church on March 8. These breakfasts raise money for the church’s winter heating fund.

There will be a St. Patrick’s Day dinner at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, at Fallowfield United Methodist. You are welcome to come. It will be a tureen dinner with rolls and drinks. We will play a few silly games, too.

I learned at February’s East Fallowfield Township meeting that the township mandates all residents post house numbers on mailboxes or other objects near the road. Three inch numbers are required. This is in compliance with 911 addresses.

Have a wonderful week. Blessings!