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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 18 February 2010 11:06 |
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We now are in the season of Lent. It is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, as Christians we focus on our relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or volunteering and giving of ourselves for others. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan. (See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 or Luke 4:1-12). These were the 40 days of preparation for the beginning of his ministry. The number 40 must have been an important number in Judeo/Christian history relating to preparation. (Remember that the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land.) The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." Lent began as a time of preparation for converts to Christianity (Easter was the traditional time of Baptism for the Early Church). Persons who were going to be confirmed would go through a period of prayer and fasting in preparation for their entry into Christianity. The preparation time evolved into a season that all Christians observed -- preparing themselves for the observance and remembering of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 February 2010 23:02 )
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Written by Hedda Hopper
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Sunday, 07 March 2010 09:54 |
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FLOWERS THIS WEEK WERE GIVEN for the Glory of God and in honor of the 64th Wedding Anniversary of Mary and Everett Mayer. IRISH FEAST on Wednesday March 17th from 4-7pm we will be serving corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Tickets are $8, see Susan Foster or check at the Church office. EASTER LILLIES: Donation is $10 and now are being accepted for Easter Lillies which will beautify the altar on Easter Sunday. They may be placed to honor someone or in memory of a loved one. TIME CHANGE: Don't forget to change your clocks this coming Saturday evening. It's Spring so we shall "Spring Ahead." That means set your clock an hour forward. If you forget, you will be an hour late for Sunday School! |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 March 2010 18:46 )
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Written by Chaplain Gary
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Sunday, 07 March 2010 09:00 |
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This coming Sunday, March 14th is the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Our scripture comes from Luke 15:1 -3 and 11b -32 which read: 1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 So he told them this parable 11b "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." ' 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. 25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, "Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' 31 Then the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.' "
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 March 2010 18:52 )
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Written by I.M. Wityoo
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Sunday, 07 March 2010 08:27 |
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We have a great number people in our Circle of Concern this week, please pray for; The family of Gerald Fry on his recent passing, Helen and Lewis Pentz, Robert Young, Georgia Holland's daughter Bonnie, and Joyce Reed Those touched by the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, the Heartland Christian School also; |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 March 2010 18:56 )
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Written by Luke Warm
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Sunday, 31 January 2010 01:26 |
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Many people have been asking about the new officers installed at the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park for the new year. This just reflects the new officers for this year, if you would like your name mentioned as a committee member, please email the webmaster through the "contact us" section on this page. Chairperson of the Church Council - Cindy Bowles Church Treasurer - Jim Hauk Financial Secretary - Linda Moseley Lay Member Delegate to the Annual Council - Bob Clogston Lay Leader - Harold Brown Recording Secretary -- Denise Knudtson Membership Secretary - Marlene Garrigues Youth Member At Large - Dixon Christmas |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 March 2010 18:58 )
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