Wednesday, March 17^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 17, 2021
LUKE 5:1-11
This story about Jesus’ calling of the first disciples invites us to consider our own calling as disciples. Have you ever felt called to put your boat into deep water and been uncomfortable or challenged by that call? It is not easy to be a disciple of Jesus. So if we follow Jesus, we too might be called into deep waters to face into the brokenness of our world.
Practice: Read this lesson slowly and imagine yourself in the scene.
Where are you in this story and what do you see, hear and feel?
Journal: Write in your journal of your experience of praying this story,
and the movement of your spirit toward God or away from God that
engagement with it evoked.
 
* * *
 
As I make preparation to journey to my friend John’s brother’s funeral, I’m thinking of the Lenten lyrics that speak to me of friendship, loss, and hope. What lyrics would you share?
 
*  *  *
 
You get a shiver in the dark
It’s a raining in the park but meantime—
South of the river you stop and you hold everything (Mark Knopfler)
 
A pilgrim on a pilgrimage
walked across the Brooklyn Bridge (Paul Simon)
 
Sometimes I see a narrow flash of light (Bruce Hornsby)
 
I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do.
My gift is my song, and this one’s for you. (Bernie Taupin, Elton John)
 
Don’t give it up
Don’t you give up on me. (Billy Ricketts)
 
Ooh, you make me live (John Deacon)
 
If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
We stick together and can see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me. (Randy Newman)
 
And there are more I remember
And more I could mention
And words I could write in a song
But I feel ‘em watching
And I see ‘em laughing
And I hear ‘em singing along. (Lyle Lovett)
 
Thank you for being a friend. (Andrew Gold)
 
In a word, or in an image
Something called me from my sleep
Love and blessings
Simple kindness
Ours to hold but not to keep. (Paul Simon)
 
 * * *
 
News:
 
Last Wednesday, Ken Chapman led a discussion about radical hospitality. It was like a flash of bright light for me. We laughed a lot and I had several ah-ha moments. Join us for tonight’s Wednesday Zoom for another great conversation.
 
The Wednesday night Mid-week Gathering via zoom…How We Can Face the Future Without Fear, Together a talk Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks gave at the TED2017 Conference, the theme of which was The Future You.
Email zoom@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. 
 
 * * *
 
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):
 
Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.
 
This girl today said she recognized me from the Vegetarians Club, but I’d swear I’ve never met herbivore.
 
I know a guy who’s addicted to drinking brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.
 
A thief who stole a calendar got 12 months.
 
 * * *
 
Good Word 
 
Amos 5:24
 
let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
 
LET US PRAY
 
God only knows what I’d be without you. (Brian Wilson)
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
 Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church