Friday, March 12^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois 
 
Friends,
 
Hear ye, hear ye:  Rachel and I invite you to meet up in the parking lot of Jarling’s Custard Cup on Kirby Road between 6:00 and 6:45 on this coming Tuesday, March 16^th. Roll down your window. We’ll give you a free coupon for a free dessert for everyone in your car. Order at the drive-in window, tell them you have a coupon, and then present the coupon at the pick-up window. Rachel and I will pick up the tab at the end of the night. 
 
If it’s a warm, kindly night, you’re welcome to park and stand around with us as we welcome others in. At 7:00 that same night, bring your dessert to our Tuesday Night Zoom Dessert! That link will appear in mailers next week. See you Tuesday, rain or shine.
 
* * *
 
This Sunday we host a great guest preacher: Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson is the PCUSA director of the Self Development of People. He’ll be tackling what many of us call one of our favorite passages from the New Testament, Matthew 25. See you Sunday, rain or shine.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
 
 
* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination.
Sunday school continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

* * *
 
Dig this: Matthew 25:35-46               
³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^[a] you did it to me.’ ⁴¹ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
 
* * *
 
A song for Friday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
 
* * *
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 
 
Friday, MARCH 12, 2021
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11
This passage at the heart of Philippians has been described as Paul’s “master story” of God and the world. As such, note how the text presents God’s movement toward us — a movement of decidedly “downward mobility” in which God’s own self is emptied in Christ in order to transform, redeem and liberate the world. This divine movement of love toward the world, in the world, with the world, and for the world is the very power of God.
Practice: Prayerfully read this text several times, noting the images that
shine for you.
Journal: Write in you journal of movement toward God or away from
God that you discern.

Saturday, MARCH 13, 2021
MARK 1:4-11
The story of Jesus’ baptism in the wilderness is an occasion on which to remember our own baptisms — even if we were infants at the time and were scarcely aware of what was happening. Mark tells us that when Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were “ripped apart” — they did not simply “open,” because something that opens can close. The heavens were ripped apart, which is to say that reality was irreparably altered as a fissure in the heavens appeared — a permanent elimination of the
boundary between heaven and earth. God’s Spirit, in other words, is loose in the world and in our lives.
Practice: Pray this Scripture with special attention to the powerful
images in this text, and as you ponder Jesus’ baptism, also remember
your own. Imagine God’s voice identifying and claiming you as a beloved
child of God and the vision of the heavens ripped apart. Reflect on the
significance of these revelatory events for Jesus’ life, your own life and
the life of the world.
Journal: Note in your journal what emerges in your prayerful reflection
on Jesus’ baptism and your own.

Week 4
MARCH 14-20, 2021
Freedom for the captives by Roger Gench

HYMN OF THE WEEK: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”
PRAYER FOCUS: Thanksgiving — What blessings have I received
from God? How can I put into words what Jesus has done for me
and for my loved ones?
ACTION: Give thanks to someone for their work each day. Write
an email to a colleague. Send a thank you letter to a public servant
or frontline worker in your community. Express gratitude to those
you encounter in customer service. Tell your pastor or a church
volunteer what you appreciate about their service.

Sunday, MARCH 14, 2021
LUKE 4:1-13
On the heels of his baptism, Jesus faces diabolic temptation in the wilderness that tests his mettle for the ministry before him. None of the temptations the devil sets before him have ignoble ends in view —
daily bread, the good of nations and victory over death all are worthy goals. But each temptation entails selfish manipulation rather than service to the glory of God. Jesus models service to others, refusing to give in to the diabolic temptation to serve himself.
Practice: Pray this Scripture slowly and imagine that you are present in this scene, observing the devil’s tempting of Jesus. Consider his responses to them, and how you might frame your own.
Journal: Record in your journal any questions, thoughts or emotions that
emerge as you pray with this Scripture, noting your sense of whether they move you toward God or away from God.
 
* * *

Thursday, March 11^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. 
 
Thursday, MARCH 11, 2021
ISAIAH 42:1-9
The figure in this “Servant Song” from Isaiah 42 is generally thought to represent the people of Israel who are called by God to bring forth justice among the nations. Note especially the powerful image of how the servant goes about the work of justice: “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench.”
Practice: Prayerfully read these verses two or three times, noting the
images that shimmer for you and the reflection they evoke.
Journal: Write in your journal of movements toward God or away from
God that emerge into view.
 
* * *

News:
 
Today, today… Let’s join together today with our ESL family at 10 a.m. for friendly conversation. Friends learning English as a second language will get a chance to practice conversation; those of us who grew up speaking English will get a chance to practice listening. We’ll grow together. It’ll be fun. One of our wonderful students from Iran will be giving a presentation about the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which begins on March 21^st. How cool is that? Join us! Here’s the link: 
Email esl@firstpres.church for the link.
 
* * *
 
I’m so glad to see you coming back for in-person worship. When you’re ready, when you feel safe, please come. Remember to preregister by calling the church office from Monday 8:30 to noon on Friday. If you don’t preregister, can you still come? If you show up on Sunday morning without signing up, you’ll be seated only if space is available. Remember, also, we are still taking every precaution to keep you safe, and no matter how hard we try, we make no guarantees you won’t be exposed to Covid. 
 
* * *
 
CRISIS IN CUBA. Leaders of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba ask our help as they face what Cuban Pastor Allison Infante Zamra called “the most serious economic crisis in our modern history.” The economic emergency fueled by the pandemic, loss of tourism, new US policy pressures, and rising prices threatens the essential work of the Cuban Presbyterian church. Food, electricity, gasoline and medicines are scarce and costs surge beyond what most can afford. US partners are hoping to fund a $75,000 ASAP. Our Cuba Committee is seeking donations. Please memo “Synod”. No gift is too small. 
 
* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
An annual competition is held by The New York Times to see who can create the best original lexophile. This year’s submissions (more coming):
 
I changed my iPod’s name to Titanic.  It’s syncing now.
 
England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Amos 5:21-24
 
  ²¹ I hate, I despise your festivals,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
²² Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
    I will not look upon.
²³ Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.

²⁴ But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Let us pray

 
Thanks be to You, O God,
            who gathers,
            protects,
            and cares
for the church through Word and Spirit. 
 
O God, you seek to bring about justice and true peace among people, to care in a special way for the destitute, the poor, and the wronged. You call the church to stand by people in any form of suffering and need, and witness against and strive against any form of injustice, 
 
so that justice 
may 
roll down 
like 
w
   a
     t
       e
           r
             s, 
 
and righteousness 
like 
an 
ever-flowing stream.
            Alleluia!
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Wednesday, March 10^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Friends,

 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. 
 
Wednesday, MARCH 10, 2021
MARK 4:1-9
Jesus’ parable of the sower in Mark 4 prompts reflection on how we have responded differently – and at varied times in our lives – to the gospel. The seed from the sower falls in varied places: on the path, the rocky ground, among the thorns and into good soil. If time and interest allows, you might also read Jesus’ interpretation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4:13-20.
Practice: Read Mark 4:1-9 slowly and prayerfully, and imagine that
you are part of this scene, observing the sower of seeds. Imagine
the seeds falling in varied places or situations in your life. What
circumstances come to mind, and what thoughts or emotions emerge
as you consider your own life story in conversation with this parable?
Journal: Note in your journal what emerged as you prayed with
this Scripture.
 
* * *
  
News:
 
I’m so glad to see you coming back for in-person worship. When you’re ready, when you feel safe, please come. Remember to preregister by calling the church office from Monday 8:30 to noon on Friday. If you don’t preregister, can you still come? If you show up on Sunday morning without signing up, you’ll be seated only if space is available. Remember, also, we are still taking every precaution to keep you safe, and no matter how hard we try, we make no guarantees you won’t be exposed to Covid. 
 
* * *
 
WEDNESDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION! Tonight at 7 pm The Adult Spiritual Formation Committee will present a discussion on the topic: A Biblical Basis for Radically Inclusive Christianity, to be led by Ken Chapman. Focal passages include: Matthew 21: 12-13 and John 2: 13-17, and also Acts 8: 26-40 and Acts 10: 1-44.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.
 
* * *
 
CRISIS IN CUBA. Leaders of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba ask our help as they face what Cuban Pastor Allison Infante Zamra called “the most serious economic crisis in our modern history.” The economic emergency fueled by the pandemic, loss of tourism, new US policy pressures, and rising prices threatens the essential work of the Cuban Presbyterian church. Food, electricity, gasoline and medicines are scarce and costs surge beyond what most can afford. 
 
US partners are hoping to fund a $75,000 ASAP. Our Cuba Committee is seeking donations. Please memo “Synod”. No gift is too small. 
 
* * *
 
Let’s join together with our ESL family on Thursday at 10 a.m. for friendly conversation. Friends learning English as a second language will get a chance to practice conversation; those of us who grew up speaking English will get a chance to practice listening. We’ll grow together. It’ll be fun. One of our wonderful students from Iran will be giving a presentation about the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which begins on March 21^st. How cool is that? Join us! Here’s the link: 
Email esl@firstpres.church for the link.
If you have any questions, please email the ESL Director, Jeanette Pyne, at jeanette@firstpres.church. 

 * * * 
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
From Nancy MacGregor!
 
Mama’s Bible
 
One evening, four brothers chatted together after dinner. They discussed the 95th birthday gifts they were able to give their elderly mother. 

The first said, “You know I had a big house built for Mama.”

The second said, “And I had a large theater built in the house.” 

The third said, “And I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to
her.”

The fourth said, “You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t see very well. I bought her a parrot who could recite the entire Bible. It took ten preachers over 8 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $50,000 a year for five years to the church, but it was worth it.  Mama only has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it.” 

The other brothers were impressed.

After the birthday celebration Mama sent out her “Thank You” notes. She wrote: 

“Milton, the house you built is so huge that I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.” 

“Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home; I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks anyway.” 

 “Michael, you gave me an expensive theater that can hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing, and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same.”

“Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you so much.”
Love, Mama 
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Matthew 25:35-46                
³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^[a] you did it to me.’ ⁴¹ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Let us pray

 
Forgive our timid faith. Give our religion courageous feet, willing hands, and compassionate ears. Open our eyes, Holy God, to your grace we fail to notice in the face of our neighbor. 
 
In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Monday, March 8^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 
 
Monday, MARCH 8, 2021
EZEKIEL 37:1-3
Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones can help us reflect on the shadows in our personal histories.
Practice: Read today’s passage and imagine surveying the dry bones
of your life story – that is, times of suffering, betrayal or lost relations –
times when you were keenly aware of your own brokenness and that of
the world. Gently sift through your shadow history from your childhood
to present, noting varied experiences of brokenness along the way.
Journal: Sketch in your journal as much of your personal history of
brokenness as possible.

* * *
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson.

I’ve always had an irrational fear of speed bumps but I’m slowly
getting over it.

What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? Short.
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Romans 8:28               
We know that all things work together for good^[u] for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
 
LET US PRAY

Holy God, Thank you for this day. 
May the way we live it
honor you. 
 
AMEN.
  
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Friday, March 5^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
  
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 
 
Friday, MARCH 5, 2021
ROMANS 8:19-25
At this critical juncture in Paul’s letter to the Romans, the remarkable image of childbirth is used to convey God’s work of restoration and recreation in the world. The whole creation, and we ourselves, says Paul, are groaning with labor pains to realize the fullness of our created nature, to be set free from bondage and be fully known as children of God. These words are especially poignant amid the ecological crisis that we currently face, as we ponder not only the groaning in our own hearts, but in all of creation.
Practice: Pray Romans 8:19-25 several times, with special attention to
the images of creation it projects and our relationship to it.
Journal: Write in your journal of the movements of your spirit while
praying with this Scripture.

Saturday, MARCH 6, 2021
ISAIAH 61:1-4
Isaiah 61 provides an inspiring vision for profoundly disorienting, destabilizing times, such as the one we currently face as a nation. In our here and now, a pandemic surges and racial reckoning and political polarization demand attention and action — realities that have impacted the life and ministries of all congregations. Like those who returned to Judah after Babylonian captivity, we too face harsh circumstances and are
in need of the prophet’s proclamation of God’s renewal of a devastated country.
Practice: Pray Isaiah 61:1-4 several times, dwelling on the images in this
text that speak powerfully to you in this moment of your life.
Journal: Write in your journal of movement you discern toward God or
away from God, with special attention to the times in which we are living.

Week 3
HYMN OF THE WEEK: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
PRAYER FOCUS: Adoration — Consider the praiseworthy
qualities of God. How can I praise God’s majesty and glory in my
words and in my actions?
ACTION: Each day, reach out to someone (by letter, text, phone
or email) and say, “I care about you” or “Let’s have a coffee date
by phone and catch up.”

Sunday, MARCH 7, 2021
PSALM 23
For the next three days, we will pray with Scripture that can help us reflect on our graced histories — that is, on your personal history of light (special
experiences of God’s presence, love and justice), your personal history of shadows (doubts, questions, reflections of brokenness and sin), and your history of light out of shadows (compassion and insight out of pain and disorder, isolation).
Practice: Pray Psalm 23 with special attention to your light history — that is, to experiences of God’s presence in your life (experiences of love, care,
hope, justice). Gently sift through your light history from your childhood
to the present, moment noting varied experiences of God’s presence along
the way.
Journal: Sketch in your journal as much of this personal history of light
as possible.
 
* * *
 
I’ll be preaching the text below on Sunday. How would you tackle this text? Consider these questions, observations, and thoughts:
 
Would you have been a regular in the synagogue where Jesus taught? Or, would that have been a day to worship at the Church of the Coiling Springs?
 
What has astounded you lately? We live in a world where women are sawn in half by magicians and then, at the end of the routine, jump out from behind a curtain in a sequined dress. Cataracts are cut out and lenses are replaced in ten-minute out-patient surgeries. We can choose entertainment from 900 channels. Are we even capable of being astounded?
 
Who has authority in your life? When our kids were five we had one kind of authority. When they were fifteen we had another kind. What is authority? Is it something we have or something those around us confer upon us? Is a badge authority? Rank? Gender? The loudest voice? Kindness? How do you have and squander authority? Do you question authority? 
 
Have you ever met somebody with an “unclean spirit”? Ever had one yourself?
 
Does faith involve convulsion? Conversion? Conversation? When have you last been open to God’s power? When have you last been shaken by God’s grace?
 
Here are some songs about being amazed:
 
Maybe I’m Amazed/Paul McCartney and Wings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxTdz3hw9Xo
 
Amazing Grace, the Kitchen Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPBRvE2T_DM
 
Gimme Shelter: 
The LORD is a very present help 
In times of trouble…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJtq6OmD-_Y
 
* * * 
 
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)           
 
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 
 
23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 
 
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 
 
27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
 
 
* * *
 
Help me preach on this Sunday.  
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
  
A Prayer
A Benediction to Break the Cycle
 
Gimme Shelter
 
Mick Jagger
Keith Richards
 
Ooh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Ooh yeah I’m gonna fade away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin’
Our streets today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, yeah, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Mmm, a flood is threatening
My very life today
Gimme, gimme shelter
Or I’m gonna fade away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
I tell you love, sister
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away Kiss away, kiss away

Thursday, March  4^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 
 
Thursday, MARCH 4, 2021
JOHN 1:1-14
John’s prologue corresponds to Genesis 1: both transport us to the beginning of creation. The Word (or Logos) in John 1 evokes the cosmic reason giving order and structure to the universe in Greek thought It also evokes the “Word of God” that came to Israel’s prophets as well as the concept of Wisdom, the female personification of God in later Jewish thought (see Proverbs 8-9). All of these rich and varied associations together convey the light that came into the world that darkness cannot
overcome. The climax to the prologue in 1:14 affirms that “the Word became flesh” — not just human, but “flesh” (sarx in Greek), signifying God’s solidarity with all living flesh and the biological life of all creation.
Practice: Read John’s prologue slowing and prayerfully, pondering the
utterly profound imagery in this ancient hymnic text.
Journal: Note in your journal any movement toward God or away from
God that surfaced during your prayerful reflection.
 
* * *

Contact the church office (217.356.7238) to register for in-person worship each week for the following Sunday.  In-person worship is at 10:15 am each Sunday. Please wear a mask.

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination.
Sunday School continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

 * * *
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
A funny/sweet poem with a short follow-up commentary from our very own Tim Young.
  
“Bats” by Randall Jarrell
(published 1964)
  
A bat is born
Naked and blind and pale.
His mother makes a pocket of her tail
and catches him. He clings to her long fur
By his thumbs and toes and teeth.
And then the mother dances through the night
Doubling and looping, soaring, somersaulting–
Her baby hangs on underneath.
All night, in happiness, she hunts and flies.
Her high sharp cries
Like shining needlepoints of sound
Go out into the night, and echoing back,
Tell her what they have touched.
She hears how far it is, how big it is,
Which way it’s going:
She lives by hearing.
The mother eats the moths and gnats she catches
In full flight; in full flight
The mother drinks the water of the pond
She skims across. Her baby hangs on tight.
Her baby drinks the milk she makes him
In moonlight or starlight, in mid-air.
Their single shadow, printed on the moon
Or fluttering across the stars,
Whirls on all night; at daybreak
The tired mother flaps home to her rafter.
The others all are there.
They hang themselves up by their toes,
They wrap themselves in their brown wings.
Bunched upside-down, they sleep in air.
Their sharp ears, their sharp teeth, their quick sharp faces
Are dull and slow and mild.
All the bright day, as the mother sleeps,
She folds her wings about her sleeping child.
 
* * *
 
(From Tim Young:) Great poem by someone who appreciated bats back at a time when bats weren’t much appreciated. 
 
I remember summers growing up on a heavily tree-lined street and watching bats come out at dusk. I recall friends and I throwing baseballs high up in the air between the trees and watching bats fly within inches of those balls. Not sure why they would go after those balls but their acrobatics (pardon the pun) amazed us. 
 
They seemed very numerous then and we didn’t understand how beneficial they really were. we believed they were a source of rabies, and if you had long or curly hair, they could easily get caught in it. Maybe a ploy by our dads to give us crew cuts back then. 
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)           
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 
 
23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 
 
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 
 
27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
 
LET US PRAY
 
Like a good, good father, 
Your love is from everlasting to everlasting.
 
Like a good, good mother, 
Your love for us never fades.
 
You redeem us because 
You made us to be free
from 
 
s
i
n
. 
 
You love us because 
we 
are 
Yours.
 
(How cool is that?!)
 
Thank you, God. 
Help us to live as people 
set free 
to love others 
like You love us.
 
AMEN
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Wednesday, March  3^rd, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
   
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 
 
Wednesday, MARCH 3, 2021
GENESIS 1:1-5, 26-31
Genesis 1 invites us to a cosmic perspective on creation and our place within it. As we have already noted with respect to Psalm 8, the word “dominion” does not mean domination, but rather refers to our role as caretakers of God’s creation, who tend to it as God does. Most important, God beholds the creation and declares it “very good.”
Practice: If possible, prayerfully read this Scripture outdoors (or at
least in proximity to a window) so that you too can behold creation.
Read it three times, contemplating the images that speak to you the
most, aware of God’s sustaining presence in all creation and in your life.
Journal: Note in your journal any movements away from God and
toward God that you discern.
 
* * *

Join us TONIGHT at 7 pm for our mid-week Gathering….
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *
 
Contact the church office (217.356.7238) to register for in-person worship each week for the following Sunday.  In-person worship is at 10:15 am each Sunday. Please wear a mask.

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination.
Sunday School continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center
 
* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
Who knew that Marilyn Shimkus was a comedienne? Thanks, y’all, for sending me bags of corny jokes. It feels good to laugh.
 
People are making end of the world jokes like there’s no tomorrow.

Whatever you do, always give 100% unless you’re donating blood.

What do you call a sleepwalking nun? Roamin’ Catholic.

What did Snow White say when she came out of the photo booth? Someday my prints will come.

A girl said she recognized me from her vegetarian club but I’d never
met herbivore.

* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Mark 1:21-22 (NRSV)            
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 
 
(What is Jesus saying to you TODAY with authority?)
 
LET US PRAY 
 
Holy God, Your kin-dom has broken into our beautiful and 
troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of
Your Son. Help us to hear Your word and believe it,
that we might be instruments of Your healing grace
in the world. Forgive us when we act as if Your
power isn’t sufficient enough to sustain us in Your
ministry of healing. Forgive us and grant us 
power to be Jesus’ disciples. AMEN.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
  
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Monday, March 1^st, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
  
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 

Monday, MARCH 1, 2021
LUKE 15:11-24
The parable of the prodigal son – or, better, the parable of two lost sons – is likely the most familiar and beloved parable in the Gospels, and it is a moving framework for prayer. Using your imagination, enter into this story, noting where you are in this scene. Focus on each of the three main figures, noting what each evokes for you. (Feel free to mix up the genders in the story: you may wish to imagine two lost daughters or sisters, or a compassionate mother.)
Practice: Read the story slowly and prayerfully three times, each time
focusing on a different character in the story. Take a few moments after
each reading to reflect on what surfaced in your awareness.
Journal: Note in your journal what occurred in your three prayers —
be as specific as you can. Write also of any movements toward God or
away from God you discerned.
 
* * * 
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
This week I have more than usual humor that has been piling up. Thanks for sending to me!
 
Will Rogers can supply an endless set of jokes: The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets. 
 
What do you get if you play a Country and Western record backwards? You get you dog back. You get your pickup truck back. You get your gal back.
 
(Thanks Bill Gamble)
 
The other day I saw a guy dragging a clam on a leash behind him. I thought it must be hard to walk with a pulled mussel. (Thanks, Judi Geistlinger).
 
Marilyn Shimkus sends this one: A courtroom artist was arrested today for an unknown reason…details are sketchy.
 
And finally these from Bill Marble:
 
Someone complimented my parking today! They left a sweet note on my windshield that said “parking fine.”
 
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. At least it does if you throw it hard enough.
 
Ever since we started quarantining, I’ve only been telling inside jokes.
 
If you’re feeling depressed, try drinking a gallon of water before you go to sleep. It’ll give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Proverbs 12:20                      
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy. 

Let us pray 

 
Jesu, Jesu
Fill us with your Joy
Show us how to serve
Our neighbors we have
From you.
 
AMEN
  
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all. 
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church