Recently, our trustees resurfaced and painted our parking lot. The lot had not been resurfaced in several years. This gave us the opportunity to consider how our parking spaces are configured and to make some changes. We’ve added some new handicap spaces for our friends who need easier access to our building. And we’ve added visitor spots for our Sunday first time visitors. If you are a regular attendee, please note these special spots, and leave them open for first-time guests. If you are a first-time guest, we hope you found our visitor parking spots available and convenient. Let’s extend a warm welcome to our guests by making it easy for them to find a place to park!

Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

Our new president took to the television last night to address the nation and a joint session of congress. His words took a decidedly Lenten tone. Talking about the economy, our president said:

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Ash Wednesday is a tough day.

We ask you to consider your sins. We remind you of your mortality. We call you to repentance.

It’s not exactly fun. But it’s part of a process – a process that takes some time, requires some soul searching, demands we face some tough realities. But the process doesn’t stop there. It ends in new life, new possibilities, new hopes. It ends in the ultimate promises of our God, who never abandons us and always welcomes us home.

But you can’t get to the end without starting with ashes. Jesus began his ministry with a 40 day struggle in the desert. There he faced his demons and temptations, and discovered who he was and what he was made of. He learned the truth about himself. And once we learn the truth about ourselves, there is no power that can overcome us. We are ironically liberated by our awareness of our limitations. We come to terms with our fundamental humanity. Ashes mark us as mortal, less than God, limited, frail.

It is true that there is much goodness in each of us. It is also true that we have all fallen short of the glory for which we were intended. Ash Wednesday points us to both of these truths – it reminds us that we are worthy of God’s love – but it also reminds us that we are frail. The frailty is hard to face. But it is only conquered by facing it.

This Lent, I hope to take the steps I need to take to face myself – to honestly assess all that I am and all that I am not. I hope to better understand why I do some of the destructive things I do. And I hope to overcome one or two of my bad habits. Most of all, I hope to realize the love of God – a love that accepts my frailty and faults, while also calling me to be more than I presently am.

Mark 9: 2-9
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

When I was in school, my little brother was a constant source of embarrassment for me. He was a short, chubby little kid, who wore thick glasses and epitomized the term “nerd.” He was in all the nerdy classes at school, the kind of kid that would want to tell you all about his science experiment. And I hated it when my parents made me do things with him. Like let him go to the movies with me and my friends or share my stuff with him. To be honest, he made me feel ashamed of myself, since I felt like he was such a runty little geek.

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1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

I had a cold this week. It started on Tuesday. But by Thursday morning it was clear that I was not going to beat this cold if I didn’t do some things differently. So Thursday morning I decided that I would remain in bed until I felt better. And sure enough by Friday I could tell a corner had been turned and I feel much better now…though not quite perfect.

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Mark 1: 29-39
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

Why are we here?

I’m not asking you an existential question – like what’s the meaning of life? I don’t mean that. I mean quite literally why are we here? Why is this the corner on which we gather as opposed to any other corner in town? Why is our church building here instead of across the street or across town? Or put another way – where should we be doing our ministry? Where are we needed? Where can we have the best impact? Why are we here?

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It has been pointed out to me that Black History Month somehow ended up being the shortest month of the year. And it seems strange to dedicate just one month to the history of a people. Black history is our history – American history – and black history deserves to be studied, considered, reflected upon, and understood alongside all forms of history. One month is not enough. Nevertheless, Black History Month is an important way for all of us to remember the significant contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history.

This year, another chapter of “black history” was written with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Yet Obama’s election is significant for all Americans – indeed all the world. It was a powerful witness to the promise of our nation’s ideals, and a reinforcement of our fundamental believe in liberty and justice for all.

The General Board of Global Ministries is hosting a Black History Month page with loads of links and resources to help you better understand the importance of knowing a little history.

The Children’s Valentine Party, held Saturday, February 7, filled Wesley Hall with the joyous sounds of children having fun! Children, parents and helpers (23 in total) gathered for a good time. Beginning by joining hands in a circle, the group then formed a heart, representing “love,” as Jesus has commanded us to do. Rolling out red cookie dough and cutting heart-shaped cookies, which were then decorated with sprinkles, was a favorite activity for all! Twenty bags, each containing about a dozen cookies, were prepared and delivered to Hughes Health Center. The children also made valentine cards for their families using an assortment of materials – paper lace doilies, glitter glue, stickers, etc. Before ending the event, everyone shared in eating cupcakes, cookies and milk. (more…)

Mark 1: 21-28
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

My father wanted me to learn the value of hard work. Once I was old enough to hold a job, he always felt that I should spend my summers gainfully employed. He was even willing to help me find a job if I was having a hard time finding one myself. I particularly remember the job he found for me after my senior year of high school. He had a client who ran a construction project in a chemical plant. The summer before I took off for college, I got a job working as a carpenter’s helper. That was my official title.

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