Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. As we crafted this series, we studied what was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all.
Jesus’ words are easily distorted and sanitized in our modern world. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical,” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news?
This Lent, let us remember that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is alive in the world. We hope this series will provide fertile ground for conversation and worship, rooting our hearts and lives in the expansive goodness of God. This Lent, let the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. May the good news inspire us to take action in a world desperate to hear, see, and taste what is good.
LENTEN ADULT SHORT COURSE: TREASURES OF DARKNESS
Sundays | 9:30 am | Feb. 22-Mar. 29 | Parlor & ZOOM (Meeting ID: 872 2493 4641; Passcode: 552935) | Alison Long | 6 Weeks
This Lent, join Alison Long as she helps us explore treasures of darkness - how the season of Lent can help us understand, process, and journey through feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, and grief. We'll consider how learning to sit with them - instead of avoiding or rushing through them - allows us to meet God in the places we most associate with being alone. Each class will look at a blend of scripture, reading selections, and hymns and consider questions for discussion and reflection. There is no homework, and all are welcome!
LENTEN SMALL GROUPS: TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD
Sundays | 9:30 am | Feb. 22-Mar. 29 | Wesley Room | Paul Davis & Sarah Watson | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays | 9:00 am | Feb. 24-Mar. 31 | ZOOM (Meeting ID: 853 7465 9253; Passcode: 285541) | Pastor Winter Hamilton | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays | 6:15 pm | Feb. 25-Apr. 1 | Wesley Room & ZOOM (Meeting ID: 876 8959 8467; Passcode: 263146) | Joe Stout | 6 Weeks
Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. This sermon series and small group study, created by A Sanctified Art, considers what was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all. This Lent, let us remember that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is alive in the world!
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S LENTEN BREAKFAST
The United Methodist Men are bringing the Lenten Breakfast back! It will be held in Fellowship Hall on March 28th beginning at 9am. Thank you to the United Women in Faith for serving the breakfast and to Rev. Mark Harvey who will speak after the breakfast. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at https://forms.gle/JSRqPtKbEy1pTKE9A.
EASTER TULIP ORDERS & DEDICATIONS
You're invited to order Easter tulips to decorate our church during this Easter season. Tulips (in a variety of colors) are available at a cost of $13 each. You can pay by check or cash or visit https://graceumc-stl.faithteams.com/give (select Flowers/Books/Goods under the "Give To" drop down.) To make a dedication in honor, memory, or celebration of a loved one, please submit the form at https://forms.gle/9rDemMUvVGwhAfbY7 no later than Thursday, March 26th. You can also order by calling the church office at (314) 863-1992.
EASTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Easter Sunday is April 5th, and we need lots of extra hands for the big day! If you have a smiling face and don't mind staying after worship on Good Friday or arriving before 10:30 worship on Easter Sunday, we'd love your help. Assistance is needed with set up, clean up, cooking, greeting, kids' activities, and more! Please fill out the form at https://forms.gle/jDSioRHTorT3exni9 to save us from calling you personally and twisting your arm to help out. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver but will take a grumpy one too!
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Mark your calendars for an exciting Holy Week! More information on all events is coming soon.
Palm Sunday - March 29th
8:30am - Worship in Chapel
10:15am - Parents Collect Children from Sunday School before Noisy Parade
10:20am - Noisy Parade Leaders & Chancel Choir Members Gather at Glass Doors
10:30am - Worship in Sanctuary with Noisy Palm Parade
Maundy Thursday - April 2nd
7pm - Joint Maundy Thursday Service at Maplewood UMC
7409 Flora Avenue, Maplewood, MO 63143
(Note: This service will be streamed and childcare will be provided.)
Good Friday - April 3rd
7pm - Good Friday Service in Grace UMC Sanctuary
Join Grace UMC for an evening of scripture, meditation, and music, featuring Haydn's "Seven Last Words of Christ" by the Arianna String Quartet.
(Note: The service will be streamed. No childcare is provided.)
8:30pm - Volunteers "flip" the Sanctuary for Easter Sunday
(Sign up to help at
https://forms.gle/jDSioRHTorT3exni9)
Holy Saturday - April 4th
10am - Easter Breakfast Set Up
Easter Sunday - April 5th
8am - Easter Breakfast Preparation
8:30am - No Service in Chapel
9am - Nursery Opens
9am - Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall
9:20am - Kids' Easter Blast in Fellowship Center & Wesley Room
9:50am - Reset Fellowship Hall for Story Time
10:10am - Kids' Easter Story Time in Fellowship Hall
10:30am - Easter Worship Service in Sanctuary
(Sign up to help with a variety of Easter activities athttps://forms.gle/jDSioRHTorT3exni9)
