If
there is one thing in your life which made a difference, what would you tell me
it was!Would
you whisper it’s the time you met your first love and you knew in an instant
you two fit like a glove! Would you shuffle your feet while stammering around, yet
boldly proclaim how you’re fiscally sound!Would you shudder or shake, would you quiver or quake as
you told me your strength brought you through life!
Or
would you humbly confess that through all of your tests that the Old Rugged
Cross brought you the best! And the old rugged
cross made the difference, in a life bound for heartache and defeat. I will
praise Him forever and ever, for the cross made the difference for me. ~Gaither Vocal Band Lyrics
Have you
ever thought what it would be like if Jesus hadn’t gone to the cross for our
sins? Life would be more out of balance
than it is. The trio of events during
Passion Week, “Christ’s
death on the cross – Christ’s burial – Christ’s resurrection,” tipped the
scales of life and living; bringing forth grace, hope, and mercy amid the life
and death struggles of man and woman.
Since
creation began humans have longed live eternally. Since the fall, one thing has stood in the
way of man and woman from entering into the presence of God eternally, SIN! Isaiah 64:6a tells us:
“We are all infected and impure with sin,” and Romans 3:23 states: “For everyone has sinned and fallen short of
God’s glorious standard.”
Since sin
binds us, humankind needed something to free them. That something or rather someone is Jesus
Christ, God’s only Son. Scripture tells
us: “God
so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes on him
shall never die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)As
much as it hurts to replay the events of Passion Week, the events of Maundy
Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunrise are integral to our faith
development.
In these
three events God has given us opportunity to bury our sins in grace provided. Our sins
were nailed to the cross – our sorrows were buried in the grave – our hope was
made complete as God’s righteous standard was offered to a lost and sinful
world. Because of Christ’s death, burial
and resurrection we have the opportunity to receive life. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Pastor
Dan
What's the Buzz The Greenwood congregation is hoping to have our stained-glass windows reinforced and covered with plexiglass as soon as weather permits.
The lighting in the church (and some wiring) needs to be upgraded, and the handicap friendly bathroom needs to be finished. Please pray these projects might be accomplished over the coming months.
All stated projects (windows, lights, wiring, and bathroom) will require funds we do not have. If you donate to these projects, please make check out to "Greenwood United Methodist Church" and in the memo place "Building Fund." Your generous gifts are always appreciated. Save Your Coins During March each family has been asked to take a container for collecting the change you have left over after shopping or eating out. When collected, this money will help with essential projects. Besides, it will keep the change from weighing down your pockets or your purse.
A Bakeless Bake Sale will be held in April. For those unfamiliar with this, rather than baking, donate the money you would have spent for ingredients.
The annual YARD and BAKE SALE to be held on Memorial Day weekend (May 23rd and 24th.) keep us in mind when doing your spring cleaning. If you have items to donate but need them picked up, please call Frances Irwin at 927 6770 or Gay Hillard at 927 8358.
Thanks to all who continue to support our little country through prayers, giving, and love.
Mission Items Greenwood is collecting gently used coats and pants to send to the homeless (including homeless veterans).
Please contact Greenwood UMC at 927-8388 or Pastor Dan at 927-8913 for donating.
Do
you have something you need help with? Let
Greenwood UMC know what the need is and what it would take to meet that need.
A
locked box will be located at both churches for you to submit your request.
The Business End The Church Council will meet on Friday, April 4, 2014 in the Friendship Hall. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM
Without Easter Without Easter, there would be no hope of heaven.
Without the hope of heaven, there would be no repentance, no personal transformation, no attempt to follow biblical principles.
Without Easter, the world would be in chaos and darkness.
Jesus’ death and resurrection means we can be reborn, to live better, to do better, to shine light into the shadows. Hallelujah! Happy, Happy Easter. By Joanna Fuchs