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 March 4, 2010                                                       Volume 39, Issue 8
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  "Stay Awake!"

                                                   Friendly Circle"The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak ."

                                                  - Mark 14:38

 

This past Sunday in worship we were in the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus prayed, "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me.  Yet, not what I want, but what you want" (Mark 14:36, NRSV).  It was his fervent prayer that God would take from him the suffering he was about to endure.  He prayed it three times.  And after each time, he went over to where the disciples were, found them sleeping, and said, "Could you not keep awake one hour?  Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mk. 14:38).

   They wanted to hang in there with him.  Their hearts were filled with good intentions.  They had left everything to follow him.  They even assured him they would never desert him.  That was when things were good....

But it was late.  It had been a long day.  A long week, really.  Plus, they had just eaten a big meal!  Of course the natural thing to do is fall asleep.  Which they did.

I wonder why Jesus wanted them to stay awake.  Nothing big was happening.  No parade.  No miracle being performed.  No demons being cast out.  Not much at all really.  Pretty quiet in the garden.  And all Jesus was doing was having some personal prayer time alone with God.  So why must they stay awake? 

The answer is found in the beginning of verse 38:  "Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."  (other versions read "into temptation.")  Temptation?  Tempted by what? 

The funny thing is that Jesus doesn't complete the sentence.  He doesn't name for them what they would be tempted to do.  He didn't need to.  They already knew. 

And so do you.

So keep awake.  And pray that you may not come into the time of trial.  For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I'll see you at the "garden" this Sunday,

                                            Rev. Flint E. Shea                                             

 

 

 

My One Word-Revisited 

By Rev. Warren Clifton - Minister to Young Families

 

 

In January, I wrote about the "My One Word" experiment that invites you to take one word from a scripture passage and allow it to move you beyond the past and look ahead to your future. The challenge is simple:  lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD.  This process provides clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. 

I also invited you to share your one word with me via email, so that we might learn from one another on this journey.  Linda Jamar, took my challenge and ran with it as detailed in her response to me:

"I'd read about the One Word challenge a while back and decided to focus on that this year instead of making a bunch of resolutions that never quite come to fruition.  On, January 1, I decided upon my word for 2010: Risk---- I don't really know all the directions this might take me this year, and it's kind of scary to think about, but I'm ready for the adventure."  -Linda-

In the meantime, I decided on a word of my own for 2010, Finish--there are so many things that I have started, only to walk away from them in the middle of the project.  I want to see so many important things to completion this year, and God provided as usual many guides for me to follow:

Psalm 25:21-Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.

Psalm 138:7-Finish what you started in me, God.  Your love is eternal-don't quit on me now.

Proverbs 15:9-A life frittered away disgusts God; He loves those who run straight for the finish line.

John 1:14-The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

It's not too late to join in this adventure!  If you do, please email your name and your one word to Warren Clifton at wclifton@noelumc.org.  If you are comfortable sharing how you decided on your one word, please include that information in your email.

 

Ministry moments

 
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                  Friendly Circle

The Friendly Circle enjoyed hearing the Broadmoor Super Senior Singers conducted by Mary Caldwell as they performed a number of "Oldies but Goodies" at their meeting on February 18.  Several people sang along with the familiar tunes.  Friendly Circle meets every third Thursday, at 10:00 a.m.  Call Sue Kamm at 221-5207 for more information.

 

 
 
  

NOEL NEWS

 

Gone Green-After several weeks of inputting go green cards, we have finally completed that portion of our mission.  If you filled out a card  stating that you want to continue to receive a paper copy, we will happily honor your request, if we did not receive a card or if you requested an email copy only,you will no longer receive the paper copy.  Go green cards are still available around the church for your convenience or you can call the office with your preference. Thanks for helping us go green!

 

Picture This-If you have photos of Noel related events that you would like to share, please email them along with a caption to jdowis@noelumc.org and we will use them as space allows.

 

Encouraging WorD-Patti Walker, former Noel staff and member, commented on the February 24 Noel Now:

"Thanks for the Noel Now online with photos.  It's been quite a few years since we've been able to be back in Shreveport and its great to see people we remember fondly.  And WOW...snow around the church!"  Patti Walker

 

 

Bill Shipp UnloadingFriendly Circle    

 
 
 

truck unloaders

 
 

The few, the proud, the truck unloaders!

 

 

Interested in helping unload  trucks for Noel's Food Pantry? We need people with strong backs for 1-2 hours on a Wednesday morning, usually once a month. Delicious breakfast snacks are served afterward!  For info, call (318)424-0434.

OUR LIFE IN CHRIST

Our deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Bettye Carpenter upon her death, February 28; and for Betty Whittington and family upon the death of Betty's sister-in-law, Janette Massey Strickland, February 27.

Congratulations to James and Danielle Richard upon the birth of their daughter, Margaret Lela Richard, born February 25; proud grandmother is Mary Margaret Richard.

Remember in your prayers our known ill:  John Carpenter, Sugar Clary, Julia Cochran, Mary Gorum, Mollie Griffith, Billie Haacker, Bill Hightower, Carol Massey, Gwen McDonald, Norma Morgan, Art Reasor, Glenn Richardson, Libby Roby, Bob Rushing, Alton Sartor, Joan Sistrunk, Claud Spence, Jackie Thurmon, Dorothy Tooley, Betty Whittington and Herman Williamson.

 

NEXT AT NOEL

 Friendly CircleFriendly Circle

 ATTENDANCE

Sunday, February 28, 2010

                                WORSHIP 
                    
                     Traditional            224      
                     Contemporary      107      
                     Nursery                  14       
 
                     Total                    345
 
                       SUNDAY SCHOOL
 
                     Current Total         287
 
                     Average to Date     263
 
    


 
 
 

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