The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A huge crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and …
Covid-19 Update: Masks Now Optional
To the people of Flemington UMC, As you know, since the Covid surge in the winter, our state has seen a drastic drop in Covid cases. Additionally federal and state laws have been changing, allowing for masks to become optional in various settings. Given these developments, our leadership council met last night to discuss what …
“Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days…”
For us did fast and pray, Teach us to overcome our sins, And close by You to stay. (UMH 269) Today marks the beginning of another Lent, an opportunity for you to draw closer to God through intentional prayer and practice in these 40 days until Easter. The season will kick off for us at …
I don’t like Lent
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 (NRSV) Seriously, it’s already Lent again? Didn’t we just do this? Here we go again. Let’s all promise to be extra sorry, to give up sugar or swearing or some other thing until Easter, and …
The “Why” of Holy Week
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1 (NRSV) At some point in each of our development, we learn it’s impolite to …
Focus
Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:41 (NRSV) Are you easily distracted? If so, you aren’t alone. It is estimated that each Sunday’s New York Times contains more information than an …
Anticipation
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, …
Plans
All of you who are thirsty, come to the water! Whoever has no money, come, buy food and eat! Without money, at no cost, buy wine and milk! Why spend money for what isn’t food, and your earnings for what doesn’t satisfy? Listen carefully to me and eat what is good; enjoy the richest of …
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall i be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NRSV) Thou hidden source of calm repose, thou all-sufficient love divine, my help and refuge from my foes, secure I am if thou art mine; and lo! …
Beautiful Things
Have mercy on me God, according to your faithful love! Wipe away my wrongdoings according to your great compassion! Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin! Psalm 51: 1-2 (CEB) You make beautiful things out of the …