Good afternoon parish,
When we think of healing, we tend to think of healing from illness, surgery or disease, COVID for example. There are, however, many other forms of healing: relationships, finances, memories, loneliness, lack of confidence, employment, addiction, food insecurity, homelessness, fears, emotional challenges, the list goes on. In our gospel reading this week, Jesus’ public teaching is dramatically interrupted by an emotional outburst caused by a person possessed by an evil spirit. Undaunted, Jesus commands the spirit to trouble the person no longer. Those present are impressed by the exorcism for sure, but they are also amazed by Jesus’ authority and calm demeanor.
I’m reminded of the poem “If,” by Rudyard Kipling which begins, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you…Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.” Sometimes ‘calm’ and ‘rational action’ in the midst of crisis are the gift of healing. First Responders know this well, and I suspect many who are awarded the ‘purple heart’ receive it because they have remained level-headed and courageous in action at a critical moment. In our message tomorrow, we will explore this form of healing as we grow in our ‘confidence in Christ.’
UMC of Auburn worship services will be at 8:30 am, zoom (invitation link has been sent) and 10 am livestream (UMCA Facebook page, You Tube and website, www.auburnmethodist.org). The livestream service may also be viewed at a later time. It continues to be broadcast at 88.3 FM to the church parking lot if any wish to come and tune in from there. I have attached copies of the Worship Guide and Mission Opportunities. I invite you to join us at 2 pm for our Live Coffee Fellowship Chat, zoom, as well.
Our Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Group will be meeting by zoom on Saturday (2/6) at 7:30 am. I am looking for some folks to be trained by Len Lednum in our tech and online equipment. If you wish to be included, please let me know. The training will be taking place at UMCA on Saturday, February 13th at 9:30 am.
May God’s grace be with you this weekend and through the Tuesday storm.
Much joy,
Pastor Steve Bascom