Happy St. Patrick's Day

May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Creating Space for God-this week our focus is finding God in nature.  We have often heard or talked about the idea that nature reveals who God is. The Psalmist writes in Psalms 19:1

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork
There are many things that nature can teach us. Nature can teach us that there is beauty in the small things, that everything is connected – that each little piece is a part of the whole and that each little piece has a part to play. Here is one spiritual practice to help you find God in nature.

Reading a Psalm in nature. Take a small Bible with you and set out to a place in nature. A park bench, your patio, even sitting by a picture window with a view. When you arrive at the place you feel led, spend a few moments in silence. Then read Psalms 19 out loud (or you can pick another Psalm if you like). When you are finished reflect or journal on the following two questions:
1.     What spoke to you in the Psalms? 
2.     What does the nature that surrounds you reveal to you about the Creator?
 
May the sun shine warm on your face this day!
 
Worship Corner:
·       Mar.  20 worship at 8:00/Grace, 9:30 Pine Creek & Zoom, 11:00 Holbrook.
·       Zoom info Meeting ID: 794 678 137 Passcode: hopelives.
·       March 27th Grace will host a potluck Brunch. Please bring a dish to share. It begins at 11:00 am at 9th and Clark St. Good food and songs. There is a rumor that Jesus is making a surprise appearance!
·       April schedule
o   Apr. 3rd, worship 8:00/Grace, 9:30 Pine Creek & Zoom, 11:00 Holbrook.
o   Apr 10th is Palm Sunday. We will have one combined service at 10:00 at Grace UMC.
o   Thursday, Apr. 14th We’ll have a Holy Thursday service on Zoom.
o   Apr. 17th is Easter! Services to celebrate the resurrection at 8:00/Grace, 9:30 Pine Creek & Zoom, 11:00 Holbrook
o   Apr. 24th Brunch at Grace
 
What Does the Bible Say About______?
How would you fill in the blank? Reply and let me know because I will preach on your questions after Easter!
 
Loaves and Fishes Meal
We will be preparing and serving a spaghetti dinner at Loaves and Fishes this Tuesday, March 22nd. Come at 2:00 to help prepare the meal, or 4:00 to help serve and clean up. If you can help, let Tom Shellenberg know TODAY [email protected] or (406)223-3522
 
NEW Small Group Starting in Livingston: Friends and Faith
Our new small group meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 in the Holbrook chapel. All are welcome! We’ll meet for 6 weeks. Join us to grow in friendship and faith.
 
Ukrainian humanitarian relief donation information
UMCOR is in Ukraine and surrounding areas providing aid and resources. For more information about the United Methodist presence in both Russia and Ukraine, as well as a link to donate, go to https://umcmission.org/news-statements/appeal-for-peace-in-russia-ukraine-conflict/
Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways:
·       Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
·       By toll-free telephone: 888-252-6174
·    By check with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line, either mailed and addressed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or given at or through any United Methodist church
One hundred percent of all Advance contributions go to the designated cause.
 
Montana Districts Mission Project
We are getting prepared to respond to wildfires in our state. This month we ask all Methodist churches to collect supplies for UMCOR Cleaning Buckets, Soot Cleaning Kits, and Ash Sifters. See attached flyer for details. Bring your donations to church by Sunday, March 27th and we will get them to Billings to be assembled and stored in our local UMCOR sheds.
 
Districts Gathering
This year clergy and laity will gather in Billings for our Montana Districts Gathering April 5-7. Laity are welcome to attend workshops from 1-5 on the 6th, attend the Wheatly Lecture with Nadia Bolz-Weber and Bishop Karen Oliveto that evening, then join for our worship and meeting the morning of the 7th. More information on flyer that is attached.
 
Luccock Park Summer Camps
Luccock will have summer camps this year for Senior High, Middlers, and Elementary youth this summer! Registration opens April 1st. We will provide scholarships for any youth we recruit. Share this info with the children/youth in your lives. Summer Camp is a wonderful experience! You can find more information here https://luccockpark.org/umc-camps-2022
 
Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand,
Pastor Patti