Subject: sermon reflections for 3/27/11

Spring has sprung—but it doesn’t feel like it!

This Sunday (27th), is the District Sponsored Faith Fest at the Hancock UMC from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.  It’s so close by that it would be a shame to miss out on this occasion of inspirational singing and witnessing.  Also, if you attend, you’ll be able to support Merlin Jones who will be one of those sharing his witness.  I have room in my car for four adults or five kids.  If you’d like a ride, let me know.

If you missed out on our 2nd Annual Chicken Delight Potluck, you missed out on a really fun time.  We raised close to $500 for Heifer Project chickens.  Ward and Nancy Young entertained us with “The Chicken Song” and led us in a little kareyolkee.  And we topped off the event with the chicken dance—which hopefully helped some of us wear off those extra calories from all that delicious food!

Two coming church events to be mindful of—Confirmation on Palm Sunday April 17 and Saturday May 14 for activities showing our appreciation for the community of Oakland.

I invite prayers for these persons and circumstances--Edith Haines (breast surgery next week); Cathey Grosvenor and her brother Larry (their mother Dorothy Forristall is now under hospice care); family and friends of Merle Davis (she passed away today); Nancy Allen (a retired pastor and friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma); also for the ongoing threat of radiation in Japan; and peace for the citizens and leaders of Libya and other “hot spots.”

For this Sunday (27th)
•       Scripture:  John 4:5-42
•       Sermon Title: “The Ripple Effect”

Reflection
1.      Why was it out of the ordinary for Jesus to talk to the woman at the well?  (verses 7,8,9)
2.      What does the Samaritan woman do when she realizes that Jesus is the Messiah? (v. 25,26)
3.      Why does she leave her water jar behind?  (v. 28)
4.      Reflect especially on verses 35-42 and the importance of spreading the Good News that Jesus
             is the Messiah.
5.      What happens to still water when a stone is dropped in?
6.      How are you sharing the Good News that Jesus is our savior, God’s son?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor