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