The Word @ Home

Scripture:             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 Megal Corera, Bob Grusnick, having moved to Brookdale Center, Vivian Hansard, Eunice Kraase, Brenda Michaux, on the death of her father, Jan Bancroft (a recent visitor) on the death of her mother, Pat Eldridge on the death of her brother, and Claude Leach, in a rehab facility in FL, recovering from a severe case of the flu.  You may send Claude a card at Claude Leach, Health South, 12440 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613, or call him at 352.592.7849.
 
Concerns and Joys from Sunday, February 19:
 
Concerns:
 
Diann Scheuerman – Her Dad, Richard needs to stay healthy for his knee replacement surgery next week.
 
Judy Stone – For her nephew, Jon, having an insulin pump put in this week.
 
Jennifer Fry - My co-worker, Geraldine, who we prayed for last week, passed away. Please continue to pray for her children, Niko, 18 and Devon, 17.
 
Karen Belt – Has some major decisions coming up and could use prayers to help with those decisions.
 
Sheila Wilson – For her brother’s friend, Ron, who just Sunday lost his battle with cancer and for my brother, who always considered Ron as his brother.
 
Joys:
 
Michelle Freeman – Thanks to Fred Laws for 53 years of choir service! BUT, will anyone step up to fill his chair in the choir loft?
 
John Northey – thanks for another birthday, family and friends.
Karen Belt – Davis, my 10 year old Grandson scored the one goal that won their game yesterday. Hopefully his team will win today. Grandma is very proud of him. 
 
Megal Corera – Megal and family thank each and every one in our church family for your love, prayers, get well cards and condolences in the passing of Francis. Our love to all of you. God Bless.
 
On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10-11am, there will be a rehearsal and training for all scouts that want to take part in Sunday’s festivities for All Scout Sunday. 
 
This coming Sunday is Camp Sunday and Scout Sunday, you won’t want to miss all the action!!
 
Any interesting /amusing/unique auction items are more than welcome by the Youth Group, to help support their mission trip to PA, in late June.  Do you have a green thumb? How about offering gardening/planting skills?  Do you like to sew?  How about offering some costume making or even repairs?  We are open to any & all these hidden talents at Troy First UMC.  The youth need your support. This Sunday is the last day to purchase a ticket for the auction which is March 5, at 4:30pm, including a strolling dinner, and lots of items to bid on.  You DON’T want to miss this exciting afternoon of fun and frivolity at Troy First.
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