March 2021
St. Luke United Methodist Church
Message from the Pastor
Have you ever walked across a frozen lake?
I have not.
When Cleveland experienced our “big freeze” in mid-February, Kathleen and I took Edith and our dog to the old DSU golf course to walk around in the snow and ice. Our small dog Tilly effortlessly trotted across the frozen ponds, and Kathleen reminisced about ice-skating on frozen lakes in Albany, New York, in the winters. My fearful lizard brain kicked into overdrive and I forbade Kathleen and Edith from even trying to step on the ice, to walk onto these apparently frozen ponds. I had no idea how thick the ice was, how deep the water was, and whether they’d fall right through. It wasn’t worth the risk.
With the opening back up of society, with mask mandates lifted in Mississippi, with Spring Break on the horizon, I’m feeling like I did at the edge of that frozen pond. How safe is it? I just can’t be one hundred percent sure of anything.
March will mark one year since we went into lock-down, quarantine, and physical isolation. Worship hasn’t been the same, with adjustments needed every couple of months. We miss Sunday School, potlucks, and children’s activities. We miss seeing one another.
As people have begun to get vaccinated, we’ve seen more friendly faces in the sanctuary. We’re worshipping God alongside others, hearing the music live, instead of through a computer speaker. As you get vaccinated (and perhaps wait a week or so for the effectiveness to peak), I look forward to seeing you in person again. I’m thankful that so many of you have got your shots, and please contact me or the church office if you need any help signing up.
Is there always risk in life? Of course. The miracle of modern medicine is that we can reduce our risks a lot. I think we’re reaching the point when the risks are low and the rewards of gathering together are huge.
Soon we’ll be walking on thick ice, learning to skate again.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Brad
Lectionary Readings for March
Sermon Series: Pandemic Spirituality: How Christians Have Faced Big Challenges
Sunday, March 7 - Third Sunday in Lent
Psalm 19
Sunday, March 14 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Sunday, March 21 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
Psalm 51:1-12
Sunday, March 28 - Liturgy of the Palms & Passion
Mark 11:1-11; Mark 15:1-39
The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ
OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG
The UMW Grace Circle meeting for March has been canceled.
UMW Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, April 6, 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Masks required even if you have had your shots. We will have our annual Call to Prayer & Self-Denial service. The service is titled “She Leads: Empowering Women to Make a Difference.” As we move into our next 150 years of mission work, UMW continues to care for vulnerable women, children and youth. The programs offered by National Mission Institutions and international partner organizations promote leadership development and the well-being of those who are underserved. The offering will support programs that transform the lives of women, children and youth. We continue to advocate for the work of our eight Regional Missionaries. With our support programs that lift up women leaders, like Training for Transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, will bear fruit. We invite UMW Lunch Bunch members to join us for this special service.
The Finance Committee will meet Sunday, March 21, at 11:35 in the Fellowship Hall.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE
The Worship Team will meet on Sunday, March 7, at 11:35 in the Fellowship Hall. If you can help in this area, please come. You are invited and welcome.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES
Spring Work Retreat: On Saturday morning, March 27th, Pastor Brad Corban, Church Council Chair Chris Bailey, and Trustees Chair Adam Williams will lead a morning retreat during which we will observe morning prayer and work outside to improve the playground and courtyard. Don’t miss your chance to use a pressure washer! Food will be provided. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We’ll have a 12-person limit, so act now! Email bradcorban@yahoo.com or text Pastor Brad at 601-467-5032 to sign up.
With the availability of the Covid-19 vaccine, we’re excited about our worship attendance slowly but steadily increasing so we are asking for your help to provide altar arrangements throughout the year. Please look over the Flower Calendar (located on the bulletin board across from the choir rehearsal room), choose a date or two, and sign up. If you choose two dates in a row, we can store your flowers in the flower fridge to be used again the following Sunday. Please contact Sandi Melton (Flower Steward), or the church office for more info and date availability.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will be the mission opportunity highlighted during the month of March. This offering provides major support for immediate assistance in the wake of natural and human-caused disasters and helps support ongoing ministries of food, shelter, health and peace. UMCOR Sunday giving allows 100% of designated gifts to be used for the specified disaster response or other ministry. You may give anytime during March.
Memorials
Attendance and Offering Report
March Birthdays
3/05 Emma Hardy
3/07 Melanie Earls
3/10 Frankie Brewer
3/14 Austin Tardy
McCulloch Tardy
3/15 Lindsey Givens
3/16 Linda Smith
3/17 Tricia Walker
3/19 Josh Armstrong
3/20 Bonnie Wanamaker
March Anniversaries
3/09 Dillard & Sandi Melton
3/14 Lisa & Shaun Horton
3/21 Frances & Jim Tims
3/23 Brittany & Trevor Runnels
