“Being a missionary doesn’t mean you have to cross the sea, just see the cross.”
When Reverend Marsha Alexander, our teacher/presenter at class this morning, made this comment to us on Saturday evening at our home where she spent the evening, we knew that this was to be Sunday’s Quote. Our Class was blessed by Reverend Alexander’s description of her journeys as a United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries’ missionary, not only those journeys of geography (the Phillipines and Mexico) but also the one of her calling by God to mission. Marsha shared with us that many people over the years have said that “…she must have given up so much to be in such service”, but Marsha simply concluded that “…she can’t think of a thing that she’s given up that hasn’t been replaced 10-fold by God through her service to our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Whether called across the sea, across the border, across town, across the street, or across the room, we give up nothing but we gain everything! God speed, Marasha; we are blessed by your message to us this morning!
Our classroom was filled to near capacity earlier today; what a great Sunday! However, there were those of you who weren’t able to be with us, and you were missed. Hope to see you soon!
We celebrated several birthdays inlcuding Ruth Giessen (3/4), Kenny King(3/6), and Barbara Loyd (3/6), and one anniversary, Christi and Kraemer Luks. To each and all, congratulations! Our thanks to Susie and Mark Butterworth, Sarah and Cisco Maldonado for delicious refreshments, both healthy and not, displayed with loving care over a quilted tablecloth. Our lone visitor was a family member, Ms. Lisa Meehan. Come again, Lisa!
Suzy Meredith-Orr announced our next mission opportunity, a painting party at Exodus House, on Saturday, March 6th, 9:30am till about 1:00pm. Contact Suzy for more information.
Pam Sherman let us know that the annual “Easter egg stuffing” is scheduled for Friday evening, 6:30pm, March 26th. Contact Pam, but we’ll provide more information in future Sunday Reports as well.
Sharon Earley is heading up the Funds Committee effort to nominate recipients for our donations. She asked that the Committee and other interested folks meet with her next Sunday at 9:00am in our classroom to discuss the process. Nominations will be presented to the class in April (probably the 11th) for our actions on this important mission of our Class. Contact Sharon or me if you have a nominee or comments/questions.
Jennifer Hall expressed her joy at the news of being an expectant grandmother. Judith Payton will have surgery next Friday; our thoughts and prayers are with you, Judith. Glenna Arnott shared concern for a granddaughter who is in harms way; she distributed information regarding this matter, asking for prayers and support. Glenn has asked to send this information to you via E-mail, and we will do in a seperate mailing later this week once she has provided it to us. Bob Russell led us in prayer following these expressions of joy and concerns.
March 2010 should be another interesting month of informative presentations and Christian education leading us into the Easter week (Palm Sunday is March 28th). Next week, Professor Michael Lapolla will be in our class to help us better understand some of the critical points within the national and local debate on “health care reform”. Professor Lapolla’s research and thoughts are often reported in our newspapers and other media locally and regionally, especially as it pertains to policy affecting underserved and underinsured people, a population of great concern to all us who are Christians. Professor Lapolla’s presentation is expected to be an unbiased report to you with an opportunity for questions and answers.
On other Sundays in March, expect teachings by Professor Sandra Costen Kunz (3/14) and Reverend Bill Tankersley (3/21 and 3/28). Also, please remember that Easter Sunday (April 4th) will be a Brunch Sunday at Maranatha.
Have a wonderful week; contact us anytime.
Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents
Maranatha Class Website 