Springing Forward and Ukraine Relief

Acts 17:28 tells us “In Christ we live and move and have our being.” As we seek to create space for God in our lives, we are focused this week on practicing the presence of God. Growing in our awareness that the Spirit of God is present to us every moment of every day. I invite you to experiment with one of these practices this week.

1.     Weaving prayer into the mundane tasks of life. Reflect on what you need to get rid of in your life as you weed in the garden. As you wait in a long line, or traffic light, pray for others you know who are waiting for test results, birth of a baby, healing, a job, etc.
2.     Bookend your day drawing your attention to God. Create meaningful rituals for yourself. Such as, wake up and say out loud, “This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.” And at the end of the day, reflect on what gifts that day offered you.
3.     Seek Joy! Drawing close to God does not need to be a serious intent. God desires we enjoy life and we need that in these days. Find joy in eating. Find joy in the beauty around you. Seek out things that make you laugh. Hang out with people who make you smile. Keep our eyes and hope open to joy!
As we draw close to God, God will draw close to us.
 
Worship Corner: Don’t forget the time changes Saturday. Spring forward!
·       Mar. 13, 20 worship at 8:00/Grace, 9:30 Pine Creek & Zoom, 11:00 Holbrook.
·    Zoom info Meeting ID: 794 678 137 Passcode: hopelives.
·       Grace will host a potluck Brunch on Mar. 27th at 11:00 am. 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!
·       My sermon from last week is attached or you can watch on our website at www.methodistsontheyellowstone.org It is titled, Practicing the Presence of God, finding God in every moment of every day.
 
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
 
 
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you!
Pastor Patti