March 2021 | First Connections Magazine

MARCH 2021

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LAKELAND, FLORIDA

THE KINGDOM

The Kingdom of God Found in Lent

The Kingdom of God Here and Now

Prayers and Praise

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first: things first!

The Kingdom of God is Like...

Jesus mentions the Kingdom of God in the Gospels over and over.

You are left to wonder, “What is to happen in the Kingdom and who is part of that Kingdom?” Jesus, in speaking about the Kingdom of God, imparts a rich understanding of the Kingdom by telling stories. These parables often begin with the phrase, “The Kingdom of God is like…”

CONTENTS �����������������������1 The Kingdom of God Found in Lent by Laura Lusa ����������� . 2 Listening for the Sounds of Gods Voice by Debbie Drash ���������3 The Kingdom of God - Here and Now by Ann Harkey �������������4 Memorials ��������������������������������������������������������������������5 Prayers and Praise �������������������������������������������������������6 The Kingdom of God on Earth ��������������������������������������6 The Kingdom of God is Like by David McEntire

The Kingdom surrounds the ministry of Jesus’ ministry and yet there is often confusion about what is meant by the Kingdom of God. Many believe that the Kingdom of God has come, found in the work of the followers of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. And, at the same time, believe that the Kingdom has yet to fully be revealed. It is here and it is not fully realized.

The ministry of Jesus begins in Mark as he announces, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus would declare that “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21) and that “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Jesus reveals that his purpose is to proclaim the kingdom. Jesus described his mission saying that he “must preach the good news of the kingdom of God” Luke 4:43). Luke summarizes Jesus’ ministry as “proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:1). “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)sThe phrase Kingdom of God appears 162 times in the New Testament and the similar phrase, Kingdom of Heaven, is used 32 times in Matthew’s Gospel. Why is this phrase used nearly 200 times, unless it is vitally important?

Jesus describes the Kingdom of God using parables, telling us that it is like a mustard seed or a field with a hidden treasure. These parables and others will be part of our preaching during Lent, during which we will focus on Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God. I hope you will take time to listen, study and pray about God’s Kingdom, as God has invited each of us to be part of the Kingdom by how we live, serve and follow Him. Grace and Peace, David McEntire

a publication of First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-686-3163 • www.firstumc.org #1stLKLD

The Kingdom of God Found in Lent by Laura Lusa As we enter this season of Lent, I’ve been thinking about what it means and how it can enable me to deepen my connection with Jesus and better embody the Kingdom of God into daily life. Growing up I attended Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in downtown Lakeland with my brothers and parents. Vaguely, I recall teachings about Lent; my general take away was that Lent is about giving up something that you cherish or enjoy for a few weeks. To be truthful, I did a fair amount of daydreaming during those sermons so I knew little about the reasons and meaning behind Lent.

To be honest my weekly screen time report has been disturbing as I spend more and more time looking at the latest news and “information.” Giving up a portion of the on-line nosing around time I spend each day would free up more time to help those in need. So many of our neighbors are struggling as a result of the pandemic. Missions Director Forrest White’s Serve portion in our weekly e-connections is an excellent resource for safe ways to help the less fortunate in our community. Helping at one of several outdoor mobile food banks is my personal favorite.

I consider myself to be at the beginnings of my faith journey. As a searcher and researcher, I looked at a variety of sources to learn more. First, to give a concise overview, the United Methodist Church of America’s website (www.umc.org) was most helpful: “Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.

Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, meaning ‘lengthen’ and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection……Today, Christians focus on relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves to others.”

There are other ways to meaningfully participate in Lent. How about cutting back on the Starbucks coffee habit and using those funds to help support P.E.A.C.E. (Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment; Polkpeace.com)? Or, consider one of the many other worthy organizations that help the underserved. On a much broader scale, giving up meat twice a week helps the environment. If enough folks do this, the reduction in beef demand, in particular, would result in reduced greenhouse gasses generated each year. This would make the world more livable for all of us and as an added bonus, promotes your own healthier lifestyle.

These are just a few ideas to help you (and me!) get started.

Next, I turned to the Bible. (As a brief aside, a year ago I participated in First United’s “A Disciple’s Path” class and learned that a Bible concordance is a great way to find topical scriptures; this amazing class helped me tremendously and I encourage anyone who hasn’t taken it to consider doing so.) After poking around for a while, Acts 26:20 struck a chord: “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”

In these challenging times with every day bringing more hard news and discord, it can be difficult to find quiet time to reflect. Now, more than ever, we need to give ourselves this gift. I believe God is calling each of us to do so.

Blessings and good health to you all

Feeling better prepared, over the course of several days and in periods of quiet, I considered the meaning of Lent and how to embrace and participate in this most cherished time.

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Listening for the Sounds of God’s Voice On a bright, warm New Year’s Day we experienced the joy and miracle of new life coming into the world with the birth of a beautiful new calf being born in the pasture just behind our home. We were intrigued as the baby took its first wobbly steps. Even before teaching nursing, the mama cow taught the baby a first and among its most important life lessons ... how to listen to and recognize the sound of her voice. When the baby calf heard the call, it changed direction heading immediately toward mom and received a warm encouraging nuzzle. Many more life lessons were soon to follow. Nearby from several paces away other cows (whom we have nicknamed “Auntie Moos”) intently watched almost as if they too were encouraging the mom and the calf as these events unfolded. Some early mornings, as we look out over the pasture, we are met with heavy mists and fog as the sun begins to rise. We can barely see the outline of the cows moving along on those mornings but we know they are there because we can hear their encouraging, sometimes determined, voices calling to each other.

In days of sunshine or foggy mist, clarity or confusion, how do we respond when we hear the promptings of God’s voice through the Holy Spirit? Are we actively listening each day? What helps us along our pilgrim’s way of spiritual growth? Who is among the company of our communion of the saints in the kingdom of God silently abiding, watching and encouraging us on by their very presence, prayers and modeling Christian action and piety for us?

For us there are many dear friends and positive Christian role models right here in our congregation at First United Methodist Lakeland. Among many other things some of these dear friends have shared with us are the daily spiritual devotional app Lectio 365 and author Clare de Graaf’s The Ten Second Rule. In addition to the traditional “giving something up” for Lent, years ago we began a new tradition of “taking something on” for Lent. We are during Lent intentionally seeking and listening for the sound of God’s voice, guidance and direction in this “taking on” venture. It has led us into taking on new areas of mission and outreach over the years such as Tuesday Tigers wheelchair ramp and home repair ministry, Migrant Honor student care support, bereavement and care card ministry to our homebound, hospital visitation prior to the COVID-19 virus pandemic and care calls during the pandemic, Zoe ministry support, hospice volunteering, joining Bible studies and a Sunday school class, monthly mission food drives—just to name a few.

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by Joe Dionisi & Debbie Drash

A favorite fun activity which began during Lent years ago and continues today was “taking on” the challenge of finding and collecting loose change throughout the year and keeping most every $5 bill that came our way to help financially support Christian mission projects close to home and far away. Through that effort we have helped in small ways behind the scenes to make a difference, including one year providing resources for a village in Africa to help build a new fresh water well.

In what small and large ways might God be calling you to plant good seed and become God’s kingdom planter and builder this year? How will we joyfully continue to respond to the sound of God’s voice as a church family?

Early in his ministry Jesus taught his friends, disciples and the crowds who followed him many valuable spiritual life lessons as their relationship grew and deepened. Jesus professed “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). This may mean something different for each Christian. When we think, hear or speak about the kingdom of God our heart may yearn for the day when Christ returns in glory. Yet when Jesus spoke these words to his followers that the kingdom of God is at hand the meaning was here and now as well as a future realization. In what ways can we rejoice and treasure who and what we have in the here and now and not focus so much on “what am I missing out on?” or “what is yet to be?”

The Kingdom of God is both a present and future reality. Jesus invites us all into His Kingdom now, to put faith into Christian action, to be His Kingdom builders, so we can experience and share His love and mercy now as well as in the time to come.

The Kingdom of God - Here and Now The kingdom of God is a way of describing the reign of God. United Methodists recognize that the reign of God is both a present and future reality. A United Methodist website stated that “Various biblical references to the kingdom lead to the conclusion that the kingdom’s life could be seen in Jesus Christ, that even now in the 21st century we get glimpses of God’s reign, and that in a time that seems good to God, the full reign of God will restore a future that we have already seen in Christ.

Death and evil will not only have lost their power but will be destroyed.” So, what are the glimpses of God’s reign that we can see in the 21st century? How do we experience the kingdom of God here and now?

Since the kingdom’s life can be seen in Jesus, then we can look to what Jesus said and did to find glimpses of the kingdom today. Jesus said we are to love our neighbors, feed the hungry and clothe the naked. His kingdom is about others, not ourselves. We glimpse the kingdom through generous donations, so that our church can provide tons of food to fill the tables of our neighbors. We have clothed needy children through The Children’s Clothes Closet. We have loved our neighbors by caring for their children.

We can glimpse God’s kingdom when we meet as a church to hear the word of God and to worship. In these challenging times, we cannot meet in person, so we “meet” online. Our pastors have continued to lead us in this way, so that we can worship with our families at home. Our Sunday morning services on the lawn have provided an opportunity to safely meet in person and have attracted neighborhood people and passers-by to join us. Sunday School and Bible studies continue online or on the phone, so that we can still “gather” to study and learn.

by Ann Harkey

are still being comforted by quilts covered in prayers.

Prayer shawls are still being knitted or crocheted.

Ramps are still being built by the Tuesday Tigers. The United Methodist Women are still meeting the needs of women and children. People remember those acts of kindness. We must not be afraid to share the love of God. Find ways to spread your faith. Those small actions taken every day to show God’s love will multiply and spread. It can make a real difference in the world.

From Mindful Christianity: “You might think that you don’t matter in this world, but because of you someone has a favorite mug to drink their tea out of each morning that you bought them. Someone hears a song on the radio and it reminds them of you. Someone has read a book you recommended to them and gotten lost in its pages. Someone’s remembered a joke you told them and smiled to themselves on the bus. Never think you don’t have an impact. Your fingerprints can’t be wiped away from the little marks of kindness that you’ve left behind.”

In God’s kingdom there is a concern for the salvation of others. In God’s kingdom, there are people like us who tell others about Jesus. Why not invite someone over for lunch on the patio? If an opportunity presents itself, tell them about your faith. If someone asks you why you helped them, tell them about Jesus. Parents and grandparents are telling their children and grandchildren the wonderful stories of Jesus. Those children and grandchildren will remember and perhaps pass those stories on to future generations. I plan to be more open about my faith. I plan to continue to look for ways to serve. Won’t you join me, so others can get a glimpse of the kingdom now, and in the future, until Christ comes again?

We can also see glimpses of God’s kingdom in our community. Jesus healed the sick. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is meeting the medical needs of people without the means to afford health care. During this pandemic doctors and nurses are working tirelessly to cure those infected with the COVID 19. Jesus cared for the poor. Homeless men, women, and children are being housed and fed through charities like Talbot House and Salvation Army. These charities and many others like them here and around the world are receiving support through your tithes and offerings.

Acts of kindness are harder to accomplish at this time but simple acts such as bringing food to a sick neighbor, helping with every day chores, or making a phone call to cheer someone are all expressions of what His kingdom is like. Through our church, people

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Memorials: October - December, 2020 Gifts to First United Methodist may be given in memory of a deceased loved one. A Memorial gift shows thoughtful support for a ministry that was important to your family or friend. When giving a memorial gift, the remembered person’s family will receive a written acknowledgement of your gift.

Robert (Bob) Bradford Marvin and Ruth Bradford Joe Dionisi & Debbie Drash Eldon & Rhea Eldred Bob & Sherry Harter Anita Holcomb Nelson & Marilyn Kimball Lawrence & Ardith Matthysse Ginny Ruhl & Bob Myers Rich & Fran Pepin Frank & Barb Ridolfo Ken & Harriet Warren Jane Wood Al Brackin Ruth Brakin Phil Brown John & Marilyn McDevitt Jane Bryant Mrs. Thomas Bayless Margie Brown Sam Chappell Frances Williams

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John Cannon Polly & David Caldwell UK Custred Connie Durrence Gene & Pat Engle Tom & Paula Graham Rick & Robin Hamlin Jean Harris Bob & Sherry Harter Keith & Ann Hilliard Mary Hinson Anita Holcomb Lynn Hollis Duane & Judy Hopkins Jennifer & Dennis Martin Jim & Ann Parham David & Marja-Liisa Pearce John & Anne Powell William Powers Robert Puterbaugh Linda Smith Betty Spears Randall & Eleanor Stuart Paula Todd Weebo Watkins

Richard Chandler Susan Chandler George & Barbara Coffman Brenda Bonney David Finklea Ronald & Cheryl Daniels Rev Ray & Dorothy Finklea Ruth & Robert Stober Tom Gardner Carol & Cynthia Battles Robert Behr Diane Bertrand James & Jane Daly Gordan & Sue Leahy Kevin Madden & Elizabeth Munzig Joseph & Elaine Mogor Cliff & Kathy Otto William & Sally Stevens Anne Watkins Paul Goble Lois Goble Karen & Frank Villafana Ann Haggard Anita Holcomb Bill Harrison Gayle Harrison Charlie Johnson UK Custred Margaret Khoury Peter Khoury Alice Jeter Kieran EJM Charter Team Vera LaMasters Donna Jones David McSween George & Sally Bishop

Rick Mottern Julie & Lily Austin Joe Echols & Mary Wendel Lee & Danita Farnsworth Theresa Gallagher Mark & Gail Gard Bob & Sherry Harter David & Peggy McLain Jim & Ann Parham David & Betsy Parker Robert Tate Dan & Candy Wagner Steve & Carol Wicorek Richard (Dick) Schaw Audrey McClymont Jane Wood Roland Van Zant Debbie Drash & Joe Dionsisi

To give a Memorial Gift, you may send a check with ‘memorial gift to (the person’s name) on the memo, you may give a gift online or email Carol: CChristensen@firstumc.org

The Kindgom of God

Prayers and Praise Birth Estelle Jennings Goble, January 1 Daughter of Tamme & Justin Goble Baptism Harriette “Hattie” Jean Capper, January 17 Daughter of Jillian & Terry Capper

Weddings Ann Mislovic & Keaton Fish, January 16 Lindsay Orr & Jantzen Ellis, February 6 In Memoriam Rev. Roland Vanzant, December 4 Michael Clayton, December 11 Roger Burns, December 16 Tom Eads, December 30 Larry Sullivan, December 31 Robert Paulsen, January 3 Jose Bove, January 9 Jacque Smith, January 12 Mary Wheeless, January 12 Mallory Carter,January 17 Judi Gordon, January 19 Terry Atwell, January 25

The Kingdom of God on Earth Early Christians believed that the Kingdom of God had come in Jesus. The Pharisees had asked when the Kingdom was coming. Jesus replied to them, “God’s kingdom isn’t coming with signs that are easily noticed. Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’

Don’t you see? God’s kingdom is already among you.”

(Luke 17:20-21, CEB) John Wesley recognized that “ the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are but two phrases for the same thing. They mean, not just a future happy state in heaven, but a state to be enjoyed on earth...” We, as United Methodist believe that wherever God’s will is done, the kingdom or reign of God is present. (Notes Upon the New Testament: Matthew 3:2).

All we need to do is to look around us, to consider where we are and what is happening. Places like The Salvation Army, Talbot House, the many ministries with which our Missions Ministry is involved, The Children’s Clothes Closet our Neighborhood Ministries and so much more. This is where we can see The Kingdom of God. When we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we say “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

(Matthew 6:10) We are praying for the reign of God to be in our lives, for Jesus to be in charge of our lives. Jesus said, “ This Lenten season let us look around and see with new eyes where the Kingdom of God can be found. It is here if we just look.

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Published monthly by First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801, 863-686-3163

PASTORAL AND WORSHIP TEAM

Rev. David McEntire Senior Pastor Rev. Melissa Stump Associate Pastor Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith Associate Pastor Nicole Wood Pastors’ Administrative Assistant Matthew Corl, AAGO Organist/Assoc. Director of Music & Fine Arts Karen Buie Music & Fine Arts Assistant/Youth Choir Coordinator Dr. Waite Willis Worship Leader, 9:30am Service Jeremy Hearn Worship Leader, 11:20am Service Susan Willis Worship Leader Assistant, 9:30am Service Cindy Cleveland Assistant Worship Leader,11:20am Service Diana Russell Kids PRAISE Coordinator

INVITE TEAM Diana Russell

Director of Newcomer Ministries

Worship Services As this issue of First Connections goes to print, our church family continues to practice social distancing.

Our weekly worship services are on the *lawn at 8:15am and livestreamed at 9:30 and 11:00am on two platforms: Church website: www.firstumc.org/ worship-now/ and the Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/firstumc/ *Bring a lawn chair and observe social distancing.

Masks are required at all services

GROW TEAM Warren Pattison Director of Adult Ministries Cristi Moore Director of Children’s Ministries Cherry McClellan Director of Preschool Ministries Alice Hazel Christian Education Administrative Assistant Stephanie Keen Youth/Neighborhood Administrative Assistant

SERVE TEAM

Sean Hults Director of Neighborhood Ministries Namirah Perkins Associate Director of Neighborhood Ministries Forrest White Director of Mission Ministries Rev. Betty Batey Minister of Visitation Rev. Dale Golden Minister of Visitation Vicky Pitner Connections Ministry Coordinator Jennifer Cross Connections Ministry Facilitator

MINISTRY SUPPORT TEAM Harriet S. Mayes Justin Long Maggie Trask Shawn Joyner Lea Ellen DeWitt Karrianne Heide-Cagle Vesta Foster Carole Christensen Mike Stasiak

Church Administrator Creative Director Communications Assistant Media Coordinator Church Administrative Assistant Financial Assistant Financial Services Financial Services Kitchen Manager

First United Methodist Church: www.firstumc.org Worship Now: www.firstumc.org/worship-now/ Online Giving: www.firstumc.org/give Recent Bulletins: www.firstumc.org/bulletin News: www.firstumc.org/news Sunday Preparation: https://www.firstumc/worhipprep/

Fred Murphy Angela Bowne Chalcin Charles Shane Tidale Carol Chastain Renise Charles Mwidimisi Munnisi Tom Kelly Daniel King

Director of Facilities Facilities Administrative Assistant Maintenance Techician Facilities Specialst Custodian Custodian Custodian Kitchen Support Kitchen Support/Facilities Support