JANUARY 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT WHAT’S THE ONE THING? There’s a great line in the movie City Slickers starring Billy Crystal and Jack Palance. In the movie, a grumpy old cowboy named Curly tells Crystal’s character that the meaning of life is found in just one thing. “You stick to that, and the rest don’t matter.” There’s a pause in the dialogue and Crystal asks, “Whats the one thing?” Curly’s response? “You’ll just have to figure that out for yourself.” As a new year begins, so does the list of New Year’s resolutions. Truth be told, there are many things we may hope to achieve in the year ahead but, perhaps, one thing is essential. So what is that one thing? Interesting that Paul uses the phrase, “one thing” to the church of Philippi. Specifically, Paul says, “One thing I do: forgetting what’s behind and straining towards what’s ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) For Paul, the one thing that was necessary in his life was this: not being held by the past but, instead, keeping God’s calling at the forefront of his life and pressing on. I must add, growing up in a little Baptist Church as a kid, I can still hear the words to this little hymn being sung by my grandmother, “The world behind me, the cross before me, no turning back, no turning back.” That’s good wisdom, right? That was Paul’s one thing. However, have you stopped to search out other passages of the “one thing” that’s found in God’s Word? Take a look. Here’s a few more. For David, the one thing was worship. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4) When the rich, young ruler thought his identity was in his stuff, Jesus replied, “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21) To the blind man being questioned about Jesus healing him on the sabbath, his response was this: Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see! (John 9:25) To Martha busy cleaning and working in the house while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, Jesus had these words to say: But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42) To the apostle Peter, what mattered was this: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. (2 Peter 3:8) I love the wisdom found in God’s Word. To worship at the feet of the Lord, to make Him a priority in our lives, to tell what He has done, to keep our eyes focused on Christ’s return? Is there nothing more important? As the new year unfolds before us, may we ALL do the one thing well.
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
Last year at this time we prayed for courage, humility and gratitude for the New Year! This year I want to echo those virtues and add one more: Unity! I believe we are part of a community of faith that honors the gifts and graces of all who choose to enter God’s “gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise!” As Psalm 100 says, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Each one of us carries a treasure within. We are made in the image of God for the purposes of God. The Apostle Paul said, “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be…As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-19) We are drawn together in a divine unity of body, mind and spirit. As a reminder, Paul writes, “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor…there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:22,25) We are all indispensable and deserving of special honor! The best part of our Senior Adult Ministry here at TWUMC is that we sincerely demonstrate an equal measure of concern for each other. From our freshman Seniors (55+) to our more seasoned, senior Seniors (85+) we share the extraordinary privilege of serving Christ together. You are known by reputation as a warm, gracious and accepting group of people where everyone is welcome. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Christ for our guests and for one another. As an aside, just in case you were looking for an update: Our blueberries are scheduled for planting just after the first of the year. Pray for good weather! May God grant us Unity, Peace and lasting Good Health in the New Year! Grace to You!
In Jesus’ name,
Mark Sorensen
Cliff Ritter