MARCH 2022 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
JESUS IS WITH YOU Written by: Rev. Rob Renfroe
Years ago I came across a cartoon of a little guy who looked like he was overwhelmed and exhausted. Slumped over and looking defeated, he muttered: “In my next life, I want to come back as something easier than a human being.” We can all relate. There are the normal anxieties of life. There are the worries we have about those we love. There are illnesses, the loss of those we love, and financial setbacks. Throw in the pandemic and all the uncertainties and challenges it has brought and it can all be a little overwhelming. Life is difficult for all of us. Some seasons are harder than others. And life can be even more difficult when we decide to follow Jesus, maintain our integrity, and choose to keep our hearts open and be kind to those who mistreat us. When I was in college, Edward “Ted” Kennedy, Jr. (the Senator’s son) was diagnosed with bone cancer. He was only twelve years old. To save his life, his right leg was amputated. Cards, letters, phone calls, and telegrams came from all over the world to console him. The outpouring of love from around the world was tremendous. Most of the messages carried similar sentiments of compassion and sympathy: “We are praying for you,” “we love you,” “our hearts hurt for you.” One, however, was very different. It came from a former Green Beret. He sent the boy his green beret along with a message that was simple and direct. It said, “It’s a man’s journey. Get on with it.” Those may not be the words you or I would have sent, but they are important words for all of us to hear when life is difficult. Life is hard for everyone. And those of us who have the idea that we will escape life’s problems or that we are owed an explanation when we suffer pain and loss will fail to learn, grow and overcome. Life is not a child’s game; it’s a difficult journey. It won’t go easy on any of us, and we shouldn’t expect it to. But Jesus has promised that his grace will be sufficient for us. In John 16:33 he said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Is your life difficult right now? Take heart. Jesus is with you. He can strengthen you. And if you lean into him, through his grace and power, you will overcome.
LECTIO DIVINA Written by: Rev. Joy Johnston
Lectio Divina are the Latin words for spiritual reading, and in particular the spiritual reading of Scripture. During the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter, we set aside a special time to prepare our hearts and lives to receive Christ once again. This year on Wednesdays at noon during the season of Lent we will be offering a Service of Prayer and Lectio Divina. Most Christians are familiar with a prayer service, but perhaps you’ve never heard the words “Lectio Divina.” Let me assure you, you’re not alone! I was in seminary before I heard those words for the first time! Lectio Divina are the Latin words for spiritual reading, and in particular the spiritual reading of Scripture. The practice of Lectio Divina dates back to the sixth century monk Saint Benedict who taught a way of reading Scripture that speaks deeply to our hearts. There are four parts to a Lectio Divina reading of Scripture – lectio, meditatio, oratio, contemplatio. In lectio a brief passage of Scripture is read slowly with the expectation that God will speak a word or phrase directly to us from that passage. With meditatio God reveals what the word or phrase we received during lectio means to us. Next we move slowly into to oratio, which is the prayer that naturally flows from lectio and meditatio. Then finally we move into contemplatio where we rest peacefully in God’s presence. I hope that you will join us beginning on Wednesday, March 9 at noon in Robb Chapel for a sweet time of prayer and spiritual reading of God’s Word.