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