Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-7

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

We do not ask to be born. We do not ask to be born again. But when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, we ARE born again! We have no more control over it than our physical birth—it happens to us as a gift from God.

Scripture: Romans 5:12-17, Matthew :1-11

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

It is not a sin to be tempted—giving in to temptation is. We cannot deal with temptation by ourselves, but with the Word of God, we can. Get into the Word this Lenten Season and take a journey with God.

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Speaker: Rev. Carla Stengel

Lent is the holiest of seasons in the Christian Life. A time of introspection—time to look deep into our souls, to realize our fragile state, our mortality and our deep need for God. When we are so filled with the business of life, there is no room left for God. But if we pour ourselves out, we have room to invite God in. Lent is a time to give up what we are for what we may become.

Scriptures: Exodus 24-12-18 & Matthew 17:1-9

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Jesus’ transformation took place while he was praying. We cannot experience the mystery of God without first connecting to God in prayer. How many miracles happen just by praying? Events like this help connect the mystery of creation with all of eternity. We get a peek at what lies ahead of this everyday life.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 & Matthew 5:21-37

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

We face choices every day of our lives. Do we choose light or darkness—life or death? God loves us and cares for us. In the eyes of God we have great worth. Because of this, we can choose life. Choose to live a life of joy and gratitude!

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Speaker: Deaconess Marcia Florkey, Miami Valley District UMW President

Celebrating the many women in 150 years of history who sacrificed and served for the betterment of the Kingdom of God. We often think of “sacrifice” as martyrdom, but the essence of the meaning is to “let go” or “forego” or “surrender.” We need to surrender who we are and what we have and let Jesus do the work in and through us.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Do you take the blessings you have for granted? What are you doing with the blessings you’ve been given? The saying goes, “You are blessed to be a blessing.” Look around for opportunities and choose to let God bless you.

Scripture: I Corinthians 1:10-18

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Paul appeals to the Corinthians to be united in Christ and United with one another. Is Jesus still the focus of your Christian life?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Enriched lives have meaning and are fulfilling. Because we have drifted away, God has to draw us back to Him. We are a broken people, but God enriches our lives every day so we are prepared to do something special for God.

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Remembering our baptism is to remember the covenant and to renew our commitment to live out that covenant every day of our lives. God takes the initiative in our baptism to invite us into personal relationship with Him. We are part of His family!