Concord Trinity UMC

GROW DEEPER DEVOTIONS By Rev. Laura C. Taylor Friday Read Acts 9:20-30 How well received is the new Saul (whose name would later be changed to Paul)? Now he has Jewish Jesus-followers who don’t trust he’s really changed; and he knows Jewish persecutors who can’t believe he abandoned the mission to destroy this new Jesus movement called the Way. How must Saul have felt? When your assumptions or beliefs are challenged and your paradigm shifts, how do you process the new view with God’s help? How do you keep exploring this new understanding in light of God’s revelation while facing criticism?

The weather is getting warmer which means summer is around the corner and our July 19-23 camp is already 60% full. Eagle Lake has Covid precautions in place since their camps last summer. Sign up soon! Eaglelakecamps.com/concordtrinity

GROW DEEPER DEVOTIONS by Rev. Laura C. Taylor Thursday Read Acts 9:10-19 When other believers are asked to help Saul, what is their response? Why? What do verses 18-19 tell you about Saul? Do you think he truly was a new person in Christ? What about all his old beliefs and patterns of behavior, would they just be gone? Have you ever had a significant moment that changed you to the core? How hard was it to stay with the new belief system or goals?

The new sound system is in and training is almost complete on the digital system. I (Pastor Laura) knew we needed something better, but until I heard the sound yesterday at training, I had no idea how good it could be. The new speakers are narrow and tall which sends sound side to side and down toward the pews. This avoids sound bouncing around in rafters creating distortion as was the case with our old speakers (not to mention that when we took them down, the materials insid...e were cracked and broken like the Sahara desert). With the old system, I couldn't get close to a speaker or monitor with a microphone without feedback, static and popping, so as a pastor, I always had to be worried about where I was standing. Now I can stand anywhere without interference. The sound is perfectly balanced throughout the sanctuary so everyone can hear at the same level. The sound in the narthex and nursery have been improved. It works better with our hearing assist devices but because the speakers are geared towards "intelligible voice", some may find they don't need assistance any more! There's many more benefits that will allow for excellent sound quality in worship both in person and live stream, concerts, church meetings, kid and youth programs and more, but these are some highlights from our four hour training. Thanks to Rick and Arnold for their hours of help. Can't wait for you to hear the difference, but be patient as we learn! See more

Tuesday - Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-18. What do these verses tell you about the comparison of the old covenant with the new covenant? What does it mean to live by the Spirit of Christ? How do you understand verse 17? In 2021, how can you live out verse 18 by being transformed into the image of the Lord? In what areas might you need an image makeover so that your life reflects the Spirit of Christ to others?

Monday Read Jeremiah 31:1 and 23-34. What does it mean that God will be the God of all the families? The people had disobeyed God for decades and ended up suffering in exile, but God gives promises that they will not be forgotten and will be in a healthy relationship with God once again. What are some of the hopeful things God says about the future for the people? What do verses 31-33 mean about the new covenant God will make? How are you making room in your heart for a new relationship with God and others in 2021?

Thank you to everyone who helped take down the light display. Now to figure out storage...

Friday - Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. We often hear these verses read at weddings talking about love between a couple, but these verses really speak to what should be the most important motivation in all our relationships. How is love for others an important motivator for sharing the life-changing good news of Jesus with them? Who loved you enough to guide you on the journey of faith? Who are you offering love by sharing with them what God has done in your life?

Happy New Year!!! Today we focus on a new year, new promises and our covenant with God. Please join us for Worship!

Thursday Read Romans 10:1-15. Paul spends time worrying in chapters 9-10 about the future of the Israelites (Jews) as they choose to believe or not believe that Jesus is the Messiah sent to save them. How do you understand verses 9-13 as it relates to salvation for you and others? According to verses 14-15, what is important if others are going to hear and believe the good news of Christ? Do you have beautiful feet? Why or why not?

Wednesday Read Ephesians 4:1-15. How does Paul want believers to behave according to these verses? Why do you think humility, gentleness, patience and love are often found together when talking about how followers of Christ should live in community with one another? How can we have unity when people are so different? As we grow in maturity with Christ in our personal response to salvation, we are to keep sharing good news with others to invite them into a beginner’s relationship with Christ. How does your life encourage others to grow in their relationship with Jesus?

Friday Read Luke 19:1-10. Who is Zaccheus? How would he have been viewed by his community? How does Jesus treat Zaccheus? Why do you think Jesus invites himself to Zaccheus’ home? What is Zaccheus response to Jesus? How does verse 10 show us that Jesus was living out the name announced to Mary and Joseph before his birth? How has Jesus the Savior saved you? How is the Spirit of Jesus living in and through you to help others experience the Savior’s welcome and Good News?

Tuesday - Read Colossians 4:2-13. Verses 2-6 were the basis of the sermon from worship on Nov. 8. What do these verses say about the importance of prayer in being able to share the good news of Christ effectively with others? Who are you praying for daily so that you might have an opportunity to share the hope you have in Christ with them? Make a list so you remember to pray each day. What does verse 12 speak to you about the importance of praying for others?

Monday Read Colossians 3:9-17. How are we to clothe ourselves according to these verses? Why is the way we interact and communicate with others important if we claim to be Christians? Does your character reflect Christ to others? How is the Spirit of Christ alive in you through your thoughts, words and actions? Evangelism is about how you share Christ with others through your life.

If you know someone who could use a heat and eat meal for Thanksgiving day because of health, financial need or alone for the holiday. Please contact the church office today by noon to nominate them ([email protected]) No cost. This is a ministry of missions/congregation care for CTUMC and will also help our local business friends at Royal Orleans.