March 12, 2017

On a cold Sunday, beginning of Daylight Saving Time, President Joe Wine presided over 33. Gratitude was expressed to Faye Ethridge and Ginny Morris from 20 who dined on their delicious (home-cooked) dishes at Ladies Lunch Out!

Barbara Uptegraft invited all to Upper Room Chili Party, Saturday, in Fellowship Hall.

Leslie Soulen and her husband celebrated their 31st anniversary this week.

Pat Duncan continues to drive her son to his many medical appointments. Karen Matheke has returned home following surgery. Ed’s email thanked the class for our cards, concerns and prayers.

Dixie and Tom Galloway were presented an engraved trophy featuring an eagle in flight for “Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism” at Oklahoma County Lincoln/Reagan Dinner. Tom was unable to attend the award dinner event.

Tom Miller led the first discussion from the video, “Final Words From the Cross” narrated by Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of U. Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas. He stated, “People who easily forgive others truly believe God has already forgiven them.”

Jesus’ words spoken from the cross were a prayer when he asked his Father to forgive them for they did not know what they were doing (Luke 23: 34). Jesus uttered these words as he was being tortured and beaten.

Hamilton noted that the two major themes were the need for forgiveness and God’s willingness to give it. The words, “The lamb of God takes away the sins of the world” referred to Jesus (John 1:29).

At the beginning of the Sermon On the Mount Jesus taught about the importance of forgiving others (Mathew 5:7). God’s mercy and grace are the central focus of the Bible- not the sins. Remember – God’s grace is given without our having to request it.