February 22
Don't Go It Alone, Matthew 4:1-11NIV
Rev. Chad Oyer preaching

Angie and I are parenting four children — Marilyn (22), Neil (19), Ross (16), and Gretchen (14). As each of them navigates a new chapter in their journey, we want them to know one thing above all: you are never alone. You don't have to go it alone. We are always here.

When I first entered full-time ministry, a wise mentor gave me counsel I've never forgotten. Cultivate deep, accountable, life-giving relationships with two to five colleagues. Always have a buddy with you.

And living up North — with all that water, all those woods, all that snow and four-season adventure — you learn the same rule fast: never go out alone.

This is the first Sunday of our Lenten journey. And it's very possible that scripture is saying the same thing: don't go it alone.

Blessings,
Chad

Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Bryant Ewing.

Mission Candle
The Mission Candle is given to the glory of God and by Mary Pickett and Rich Teets, celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary.

NURSERY CARE at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Infants – 4-years-old

Sunday School Schedule
February 22- Regular Sunday School

Fifth Sundays of each month are Family Worship. Nursery care is available.

Middle & High School
The PIT in the CLC

Holy Communion
On Sunday, March 1 we will share in Holy Communion during both worship services. All are invited to the table. If you worship online and would like to participate, have bread or crackers and juice available.  If you cannot make it to worship, or would like to deliver to someone who may be homebound, you can pick up communion elements at the Welcome Desk during regular business hours.

Sunday, March 1
Sermon: "The Nicodemian Syndrome"  
Scripture: John 3:1-17
Rev. Dr. B. Kevin Smalls preaching

It is often hard to show courage and be brave about following Christ.  The Lenten Season calls us to reflect, mediate, and explore the many ways we can be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.  NIcodemus is a fascinating individual who seems to secure significant attention in John's gospel.  While he was an upstanding member of the Sanhedrin Council he was often torn between upholding the synagogue demands and following Christ.  

About Dr. Smalls
The Rev. Dr. B. Kevin Smalls is a native of Washington, DC. He is the only child of Emma Francine Green and the youngest of three children of Benjamin F. Smalls, Jr. He was formally educated in the DC Public School system and attended Catholic School during his early education years.

Dr. Smalls graduated from Claflin University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He was afforded the opportunity to do further academic study at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO and Drew University, Madison, New Jersey.

In 2000, Dr. Smalls was ordained an elder in the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. As a youth he attended Ebenezer United Methodist Church under the pastorate of his great uncle, the late Dr. Alfonso J. Harrod. He travelled to the Soviet Union at 17 years old on a Northeastern Jurisdictional Mission of Peace of the UMC and chaired the Conference Council on Youth Ministries of the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference. While in college he itinerated as an Ambassador to the Black College Fund.

Dr. Smalls has pastored churches in Georgia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He is currently the senior pastor of Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, MI. He serves as the Michigan Annual Conference Co-Convenor of the Anti-bias Anti-racism Task Force; the vice chairperson of the district Committee on Ordained Ministry and the Dean of the Certified Lay Minister Program.

He is the proud father of Benjamin Kevin Smalls, Jr., Kailyn Smith, Nicholas E. Smalls, and Aiden Alexander Smalls.

Sunday, March 8
Difficult Questions, Exodus 17: 1-7
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching

In telling the Exodus story, we are told that the children of Israel, tired from a long uncertain journey, arrived at a place where there was no water to drink and they began to complain, murmur, and ask difficult questions. Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst? Frustrated, Moses turned to God and God directed him. When we do not see clearly the path before us, we get frustrated and often jump to convenient and inaccurate conclusions. How did Moses respond to the difficult questions raised by the people of Israel when the going got tough? Come and let us ponder together in holy worship some of the difficult questions of our Christian journey.

Sunday, March 15
Sermon Title: Anointing
Scripture Lesson: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching

Samuel’s mistake in picking Eliab to be anointed as the successor of King Saul shows that even godly leaders can be fooled by outward appearance and stature. God emphasizes that "the Lord looks on the heart" (v. 7), emphasizing that inner character is the true indicator of a person's worth to God. After Saul (the "people's choice" based on the flesh), God selects David, a shepherd boy, signaling a desire for a leader whose heart is aligned with God. Come and let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Sunday, March 22
A Matter of Mindset, Romans 8: 6-11
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching

The Apostle Paul contrasts a life dominated by sinful human nature and focused on self with a life that is dominated by the Spirit of God. Come and let us worship together as we ponder anew what it means to put on the mind of Christ in our present day.

Palm Sunday, March 29
Street Theater, Matthew 16: 21-23.
Rev. Dr. Bill Ritter preaching at the 9:30 a.m. service
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching at the 11:00 a.m. service

Easter Sunday, April 5
Why Are You Weeping?, John 20: 1-18

John 20:1-18 provides verified, eyewitness proof of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking his victory over death and the beginning of a new creation. Come and let us experience together the transformation from confusion to faith through the empty tomb, the angelic message, and Jesus’ personal appearance to Mary Magdalene.