Christ Methodist Church of Auburn

A few years ago, my son Holt and I were watching an NBA basketball game when the commentator’s conversation turned to one player and more specifically to his basketball shoes. On those shoes he had written two things in permanent ink, “Romans 8:28 and I can do all things through Christ…” While I know it is not uncommon for athletes to express their personal beliefs and opinions in various ways on and off the court, field, course, etc., this was something that caught both of our attention. The player was Stephen Curry (or better known on our court at home as just Curry) who plays for the Golden State Warriors and it was through this modest, but bold gesture that he was attempting to simply remind himself of the reason and purpose he played basketball to glorify God in his life.

In March 2008, Stephen Curry and Davidson College located in rural North Carolina—total undergraduate population: 1,674—beat Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats then took out Georgetown, and a week later they beat Wisconsin. In the Elite Eight, “the baby-faced, rail-thin sophomore” and his teammates took on goliath – the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks. Davidson had the ball, down two, with less than 20 seconds to go. If Curry, who’d scored 128 points in the tournament to that point, could sink a three-pointer, then Davidson—Davidson!—would beat the mighty Jayhawks. It was not to be that night for the Cinderella Wildcats, just missing on their final shot and the chance to move onto the Final Four that year.

Steph Curry had evolved from being a lightly recruited high school player to an unstoppable collegiate basketball player and now known as an emerging NBA superstar. Curry has an interesting approach to the game and he is known for his trademark high-arching “nothing-but-net” shots from well beyond the three point arc on the basketball court. Sources say this trademark “rainbow” shot was a practice he began at Davidson, at his mother’s suggestion, as an outward sign and internal reminder that God gets all the glory for his success. I read a quote from Curry after a difficult team loss in the 2016 NBA finals when he said, “I know why I play the game, and it’s not to score 30 points a night, but it’s to use the stage I’m on. I’ve been put here for a specific purpose: to be a witness and to share my testimony as I go through it.”

While I have not started writing Bible verses on my church shoes, although I do like the idea of the visible reminder of why I serve and have responded to His calling upon my life, I do like to think I can shoot like Curry. His moving witness and commitment to Christ as a professional athlete has generated much conversation over the last few years and I hope, opened up doors for others to share their faith and feel empowered to live into the goal we share in pursuing the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

Not long after witnessing Curry’s expression of his faith, I was experiencing a tough day when our daughter, Adeline, reminded me to look at my fingers and to pray. At first I was confused until she reminded me of the hope and assurance that is found in the 10 finger prayer based on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me.” She helped me to remember that it is not my hands that make the ways of true life, but rather this effort is grounded in the work of the Spirit of God who makes, “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28)

Please keep the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church in your prayers as we begin annual conference this Sunday. I encourage you to read more about our gathering on the AEC conference website (www.aecgmc.org) and prayerfully follow along on social media on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with all of the Spirit-filled happenings as we seek to glorify God in our meetings, ordination service, worship, fellowship and ecclesiastical business. In all of your ways continue to lean into the promise that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. To God be the glory!

In Christ,

Tony

We look forward to joyfully worshiping with you this Sunday at our 9:30 service! Dr. Tony McCullough will bring us an inspiring message entitled "Following Christ is a Way of Life" based on Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

This week we will celebrate the Lord's Supper. We're thrilled to welcome harpist, Calista Koch, who will provide special music during the prelude and during communion. What a wonderful addition to worship Calista will provide. In addition, the Christ Methodist Chorale will sing a powerful anthem expressing the power of the risen Christ entitled, "I Believe in Christ," arranged by one of our choir's favorite arrangers, Mack Wilberg. The text is so powerful, personal, and poignant. We pray it will be a blessing to you on Sunday as we gather around the Lord's table.

"I believe in Christ, he ransoms me;
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ, he stands supreme;
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”

I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again,
To rule among the sons of men."

Invite your friends to be a part of our Spirit-filled worship services. Come and be blessed and keep the glory of the Easter season going by joining us in worship at Lee-Scott Academy at 9:30 this Sunday.

*Upcoming Worship Opportunities*

Sunday, May 12 - Mother's Day celebration with special flowers for the women

Sunday, May 19 - Pentecost Celebration and Birthday Party with Cake! Wear red or orange.

Sunday, May 19 - Senior Recognition - We will recognize seniors graduating from high school during the service and present them with a gift.

If you have a high school senior or know of one for us to recognize, please let us know!

Contact us at info@christmethodistauburn.com.

Crossroads – Library – Contact: Laura Braswell (lkbraswell@gmail.com). An adult multigenerational class, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. Members present book studies, Biblical theme studies, or videos for discussion. Crossroads is in the last two weeks of Dr. David Jeremiah’s "Slaying The Giants." Then they will be studying the Wesleyan Covenant.

Family Essentials – Back Locker Room - Contact: Abby Adams (abbyadamsdmd@gmail.com). A group of adults who are raising children and growing in our faith as a community. We study a variety of topics including first and foremost scripture, but also Methodist theology, family development, and Bible application books and studies. Currently they are studying "Cold-Case Christianity" by J. Warner Wallace. Taught by Debbie and David Smalley.

Fellowship – Auxiliary Gym – Contact/Teacher: Will Mooty (wsmooty@gmail.com). Middle age and older adults, couples, and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life with discussion through book studies and video series. Currently they are studying the book of Genesis.

Open Door – Sixth Grade Hall – Contact: Patsy Cotney (patsycotney@gmail.com). Middle age and older adults, couples, and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. Taught by Jeff Harte and Kevin Phelps.

Open Hands – Main Gym – Contact/Teacher: Randy Woodham (rmwoodham@yahoo.com). Middle age and older adults, couples and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. In the Open Hands Sunday School Class, we are presently studying a book written by Max Lucado entitled "They Walked with God: 40 Bible Characters Who Inspire Us."

Sojourners – Room 441 – Contact: Judy Felkey (judy.felkey@gmail.com). The Sojourners Class is currently studying a Max Lucado book titled, "Help Is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit." The class has two teachers who alternate months during the year, Philip Tyler and Bill Felkey. The class is middle-aged and older adults, couples and singles, who enjoy a Scripture-based format taught in an interactive, discussion-based format. New books are selected and proposed by the teachers with class suggestions and input as well. Our class tries to get together socially from time to time and our Sojourner ladies have been scheduling a monthly lunch get together for the last several months. We are currently reviewing options to select our next topic for the class.

Over the past few weeks we have been blessed to welcome five new members to the Christ Methodist Chorale. Now is the perfect time to jump in and become a part of our inspiring choir. Truly they are one of the most loving, joyful, and fun groups you've ever encountered. Come join us where you'll find an instant sense of connection and family. Exciting things ahead include our annual Patriotic Spectacular on June 30th. Don't miss the fun and inspiration. For further information contact Gary Klarenbeek at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

Travel with Our Choir for Inspiration and Fellowship

Our growing choir has been honored to be invited to participate in two exciting musical sojourns. These trips are filled with not only music but also with spiritual growth, with building relationships, and with Christian fellowship. Members of the congregation are more than welcome to join us. We'd love to have you. For 2024, the choir has been invited to be a part of a unique event in Dallas called "Music Across Dallas." Featured conductors are three of our absolute favorite composers/directors; Rosephanye Powell of Auburn University, Heather Sorenson, and Craig Courtney. While in Dallas we'll visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial sites, the Bush Presidential Library and Garden, and also take a day trip to visit Waco where we'll be able to see the sights made so popular by HGTV stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines. The trip is October 17-21. If you're interested, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

Vienna and Salzburg???

In 2025, we've been invited to collaborate with the Auburn University Music Department to travel to Austria where we'd perform concerts in Vienna and Salzburg. In addition we hope to offer an optional extension to Switzerland. Dates would be June 13-20. What an incredible opportunity to experience the memorable Sound of Music sites and the sounds of Mozart. This will be a trip of a lifetime where the "hills are alive with the sound of music." Please contact Gary if you're even remotely interested. His email is gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

New classes for our Pre-School Music Program, "Jesus, Music and Me" begin next week. What a blessing to see and hear these precious children, ages 18 months to three years old, learn about music, rhythm, and most of all JESUS! The Second Session is available now for registration. Classes will be Monday and Thursday mornings at Greystone. Space is limited. For further information contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

Please pray for these brothers and sisters in our family of believers:

Ann Malone Hinson, friend of Katie Heath – She has been diagnosed with advanced cancer. She has a young family, husband Jake and 2 small children.
Steven Register and family – He was recently diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. He is currently at MD Anderson for further treatment and consultation. This is a young family with 3 children.
Ann Williams – Recovering at home from back surgery.
Ron Patterson – Recovering from hip replacement surgery.
Sherry Tigney, Linda Tigney’s daughter - Recovering from major surgery.
Hudson Early, 6 month old great grandson of Sandra Fisher – Infantile cancer, under care of St. Jude and responding well. Tests will be performed early next month to see if the tumor is shrinking.
Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson – Waiting for a liver transplant.
Ted Triplett - Mitral valve replacement surgery
Cecil Spears – Health concerns. He is now at Arbor Springs.
Jerry Parker – Continuing to recover at home.
Robin Kirkley – Surgery has been postponed and she will begin chemotherapy instead.
Sherwood and Betty Thomas – Sherwood has health concerns and Betty has memory issues.
Jim Carroll – Pray for healing.
Rita Tuck – Pray for continued healing and recovery.
Sherri Guenther – Eye Condition.
Harry Gill – Breathing Difficulty.
Chuck Dupree, friend of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel – Recovering from back surgery.
Tim Boosinger – Undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal’s father – Had an angioplasty and it seems to be helping.
Matthew Hood – LSA junior who was severely injured in a car accident. Please continue to pray for rehab and recovery.
April Coulter – Colon cancer treatments.
Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard’s grandson – Cardiac cath scheduled on May 3 to help decide the best surgical choice for Max. His recent seizures do not disqualify him from any surgical options or transplant.
Stephanie Philpott, Gayla Sellers’ daughter – Stage 4 kidney disease, daily dialysis, medications. Please pray for comfort and peace.
Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry’s son – He is now proceeding to get on the transplant list at UAB. He has begun to process.
Alan Hampton, Rick Hampton’s brother – Undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma in Augusta Georgia.
Kenny Wilkey's daughter and granddaughter who were involved in an automobile accident
Harry Gill's brother-in-law
Brother George and Monteigne as they travel
Family and friends of Ruth Spencer who died on April 29
William Mixon and family in the death of his wife, Laura

The Congregational Care Team is adding another way for us to help serve the needs of our people. The Transportation Team will be a group of folks who can be called on to bring and take home those in our congregation who have no way to get to church services on Sunday mornings. If you would like to be a part of the Transportation Team please contact us.

Also, if you are aware of someone who needs this transportation help on Sunday mornings, please let us know.

If you know of any of these transportation needs, please send an email to prayer@christmethodistauburn.com and put "Transportation" in the subject line of the email.

*We have a new email address where you can send prayer requests and other needs:

prayer@christmethodistauburn.com

Please put "Prayer Concern" in the subject line of the email. If you have a different reason for sending an email to this address like wanting to volunteer to be on the Prayer Chain, or Make Morning Check-In Calls, or Write Personal Notes, please put those areas in the subject line of the email.

Thank you!

Please click the button link below to access this email.

We have begun a NEW SCHEDULE on Sunday mornings! We will begin gathering in the lobby for coffee, water and doughnut holes at 9:00.

Please be in your seats by 9:25 for the prelude to begin. The service will start at 9:30am.

***We are in the process of gathering names and street addresses of those in our congregation who do not receive our weekly Newsletter by email. We would like to begin mailing them a copy of our email. If you know of someone who would like the weekly Newsletter mailed to them, please let us know.

*Don’t forget to wear your name tags! And let’s continue our habit of checking the Connect Cart in the front and back lobbies as you enter for volunteer forms, devotionals, and other handouts.

*As you arrive at Lee-Scott on Sunday mornings, we encourage you to be aware of marked parking spaces in the back entrance and to make sure you park in a marked space. Please be aware that the trailer used to transport our equipment will be parked at the back entrance and does not need to be blocked so that it can be moved or it can be opened in the rear area. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter!

*** Please start making it a habit to check our website on a regular basis for updates and events at www.christmethodistauburn.org

We are so grateful for each and every one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray, and pray some more for our body of believers as we move forward together and seek God’s guidance in the days to come. You are all so loved and appreciated!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Editor - Debbie Smalley

Assistant to the Editor - Debbie Bagwell

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