I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. –Psalm 130:5-6
Dear APUMC Family,
Whatever it is that may be clamoring for your attention today, I invite you to sit with this line from Psalm 130 for just a moment. Take a deep breath. Read it again. Maybe even read it out loud.
Now put down your phone (if you can) and ask: what am I waiting for? Not just the next task or appointment, but what is the hunger of my soul?
Surely it is more than ‘just another morning’ or even ‘another day, another dollar.’ Isn’t it?
Is there a word that rises up to the surface for you? Are you able to name that hope? That hunger?
When I try this exercise, one word that comes to me is connection.
You may have noticed that your church newsletter is full of different invitations these days, and for good reason.
Sunday, March 22 at 12:30 – Getting to Know You Lunch in the Wisteria Parlor. You are welcome to contact the church office on Thursday to register. Dreamland BBQ! You are also welcome to walk by the parlor after service and ask do you need help with that? You are already invited…we would much rather have extra people than extra food.
Sunday, March 29 – Palm Sunday A wonderful day of worship and fellowship. Another good reason to share a meal together! I’m looking forward to the Egg Hunt!
Thursday, April 2 at 6:00pm – Maundy Thursday service in the Sanctuary. This is my commandment: that you love one another…
Friday, April 3 – Good Friday Pilgrimage to Montgomery Seats are still available for the trip to the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Sites. Have you read Bryan Stevenson’s book, Just Mercy? Or perhaps seen the movie? I highly recommend it. More information and the registration link can be found in this newsletter.
Sunday, April 5 – Easter Sunday Services will be held at 7:00 (Sunrise in the Wisteria Courtyard), 9:00 Ascension and 11:00 in the Sanctuary. This is not ‘just another morning,’ friends. This is the morning we have all been waiting for!
Sunday, April 12 at 3pm – Batting Practice at Sage Park – What in the world for? Well, first of all, because it is springtime fun for all ages. Second of all…
Sunday, April 19 USA Campus Outreach Softball Tournament What’s this? We are planning another fellowship opportunity with our young friends from the University of South Alabama. I am ready to rekindle the flame of former softball glory here at APUMC, while making connections with the next generation for the sake of our future community. If this peaks your interest, or you want to come laugh at your pastors, or do some Christian heckling from the bleachers, or help with a cookout, then mark your calendar now! We plan to start games around 3pm that Sunday afternoon on the fields at USA.
O (Ashland Place), hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.
–Psalm 130:7
Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
–Ephesians 5:14
Such is the promise of Spring! Are you ready for it? Begin stretching now!
Yours,
Darren