Connecting from afar

I just got back from vacation – we had a great time, thanks – and while we were gone, I wondered where we would go to church. We’ve never been to Virginia Beach before and didn’t have a clue about the area. My solution: Find-A-Church. I was able to access this directory and find a quaint little church to attend this past Sunday.

But, while at church, I was presented with the dilemma about giving. Do I give my normal tithe to a church I have never been to? Do I save the tithe and give it to my regular church of worship? I prayed to God about this before the offering was taken. And God answered my prayer rather quickly! In the bulletin was an offering envelope for One Great Hour of Sharing. I put my tithe and offering into the offering envelope knowing that from afar, I was connecting with my local church as we all celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing.

That’s what I love about The United Methodist Church. We are all connected to a larger church. As individual churches, we can accomplish small tasks. But as a connected church, we can accomplish mighty tasks. I hope you had the opportunity to celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing this past week. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) relies on your offerings to help those who are hurting find refuge around the world.

If you didn’t have the opportunity, you can give online at any time by visiting our secure e-give site.

--Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, United Methodist Communications

Lent and a java jolt

Lent is quickly approaching this year. I use Lent as a time of meditation and self-reflection. Others use the 40 days as a time of cleansing and self-renewal. One common bond of those observing Lent is the denial of something important to them. For instance, chocolate, TV, smoking, gambling, etc.

Each year I struggle with Lent. There are many things I could give up, but what would make the biggest difference in my life? Chocolate? My waistline might shrink a little, but in the grand scheme, it’s not that big of a deal. TV? Yes, that would be very difficult, but again, it’s a molehill among mountains.

This year I have been meditating on what it is that God wants me to deny myself. And I think He’s shown me. Starbucks. I admit I am a Starbucks junkie. I just can’t turn down a Mocha Light Frappuccino.

But in the meditation, God pressed upon my heart the need to make a difference through my denial. How I asked? God showed me that I could make a difference if I put aside the money I would have spent at Starbucks and gave it to The Church. Yes! That’s it – I can make a difference through One Great Hour of Sharing.

One Great Hour of Sharing is coming up on March 22 and I plan to donate the money I would have spent on my java addiction to the offering. I can help provide refuge for people who are displaced around the world. I can help advocate for peace and help develop leaders in Christ.

Will I suffer caffeine withdrawal headaches? Yes. Will I long daily for my java jolt? You bet. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.