Matthew 5:38-48

Thoughts:            Clever use of repetition is effective in speeches.  Remember President Lincoln’s brilliant tricolons  in the Gettysburg Address:  “we cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow this ground,” and the concluding “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
 
Martin Luther King, Jr. has engraved upon our memories his poignant words “I have a dream. . . . ”
 
Jesus was a master of effective repetition.  In the first part of his Sermon on the Mount – seven times in 48 verses – he introduced a new subject with “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time . . .,” followed by “But I say unto you . . .,” directing his listeners to a kinder, gentler way of living.
 
Jesus’ final directive is to command that we be perfect.  “Impossible!” we protest.  Let’s remember John Wesley’s directive that we “. . . go on to perfection.”  Never attained, but always our light shining in the darkness.
 
Discussion:          What did Matthew think of the Old Testament?
 
Activity:               Read Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 23:6, and Psalms 41:10.
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Remember in prayer this week the family of Francis Corera, Betty Dietz, Bob Grusnick, Vivian Hansard, June Lamm.
 
Concerns and Joys from Sunday, February 12:
 
Concerns:
 
John Northey - Prayers for Mary Ellen Doatlick, dear friend,  with her battle with cancer.
 
Gauls - Neighbor, Marilyn Cooper, was hit by a car waling for exercise on January 19th.  Still at Crittenton.  In her 80's.
 
Sheila Wilson - For my friend and co-worker's mother, Joan Mulholland, who is in her last days after years of suffering with Alzheimer's.
 
Jennifer Fry - My co-worker, Geraldine, diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 2 weeks ago and now in organ failure.  Praying for peace for her family.
 
Doug Smith - My brother's Agent Orange caused cancer and has returned.
 
Kristin Truelove - My father has aggressive prostate cancer.  I'm flying down to be with him when he has surgery on February 24th.  Prayers please for safe travels and successful surgery.  Thank you.
 
Laurie & Brian Urbach - Pray for a nephew who is suffering through spiritual and emotional issues in his life.  Also for his wife who needs strength through this time.
 
Joys:
 
The Leverenz Family - Congratulations to Athens High School.  They were able to surpass their goal and raised over $155,000 for the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles  Foundation in one week.
 
The Sonquists - Birth of Grandson, Thompson Sonquist.
 
This Wednesday at 1:00pm the United Methodist Women will be making sandwiches in our kitchen for the N.O.A.H. project.  Many hands make light work, pray for our loving hands. 
 
The Connections  Adult Fellowship Group is showing the award winning movie, “Ocean of Pearls” this Thursday evening, February 16th, in our own church theatre.  Join us at7:00pm to enjoy the show and popcorn!
 
This coming Sunday there will be a special offering for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).  Envelopes are available in the pew pads.  Please pray about this important donation. 
 
If you purchased Girl Scout cookies, they will be delivered this coming Sunday in the CLC BEFORE worship from 9:30 to 10:00am and following worship during coffee fellowship. 
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