Sermon March 16th: Seven Deadly Sins #6 (Envy). Scripture, Philippians 3:17-21

"He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

One of the Easter traditions that I like most in our church is the cross decorated with spring flowers. Besides the beauty and smell of all those flowers, the visual image of a cross covered with living flowers is the epitome of what Easter truly is about. We are healed by God's grace and have been given eternal life. The cross becomes the symbol, not of death, but of life. Christ died for our sins, he rose from the dead and walked, taught, even ate with his disciples. After the crucifixion, the cross becomes a representation of our living God. It is right to decorate the cross in spring flowers as they return to us from the ground. As the grass turns green and the leaves return to the trees, all of our senses become aware of what resurrection and eternal life means. The earth constantly shows us, specially each spring. "Why are we looking for a living person in the place for the dead?" (Luke 24:5) "We should worship him, as his disciples and be very happy." (Luke 24:52)

Our "Joy Jinglers" the bell choir for 2nd through 5th grade, gave the congregation a tremendous performance Sunday. The choir consists of Joseph Cherry, Will Grantham, Cub Griffin, Carlin Cherry, Grace Grantham, Tommy Pollard, Sami Jo Taylor, Jenny Burch, Camryn Johnston and Lyn York.

Maundy Thursday, March 20th, is the beginning of Holy Week. On this day four events are commemorated; the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ, the Last Supper, Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot. The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin "mandatum" which means commandment. This is the first word in a Latin phrase for "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 13:34). For years I thought everyone was saying `maudlin ' since it was the day of betrayal of Jesus, so it is wonderful to recognize Maundy Thursday services at 6:30 p.m. this week, as the day to commemorate the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us. So bring your loved ones and come to church this Thursday to honor our Lord.

Charles and Juanita Price had an interesting experience when they visited their daughter who works with the CBS Extreme Home Makeover program. They were put to work with the many volunteers used in building the homes. They were really impressed with the sincerity of the crew and their joy in helping people in need. The program they were on will show on Easter Sunday, March 23rd. If you are not already a fan of this program, make a point to watch this special one.

Good Friday, March 21, services will be held at 12 Noon, with Easter Sunday Sunrise services being held at Lake Palestine Methodist Church at 7 a.m. Breakfast to be served by the host church. The Easter egg hunt for the children will be held at our church at 9 a.m. with worship services following at 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Happy Anniversary to: Billy Jim and Marilyn Pollard, and Tom and Debbie Cherry.

Happy Birthday to: Susanne Hays, Bobby Ball, Mare Stokke, Cliff Mire Jr., and Sami Jo Taylor.

Thought for the Week: "At present we tend to think of the soul as somehow `inside' the body. But the glorified body of the resurrection as I conceive it -- the sensuous life raised from its death -- will be inside the soul. As God is not in space but space is in God." C.S. Lewis: The Joyful Christian.

The beautiful tapestry designed and made by Nancy Martin to help raise funds for the Kenya Mission trip is available for view in the FUMC office. Tickets are one dollar each. The drawing will take place Easter Sunday.