Palmyra United Methodist Church

Faithsteps for Thursday, February 18, 2021 Greetings and blessings to you all. Yesterday evening I drove out to the new building for Ash Wednesday, the snow was falling, and inch or two had accumulated or blown over since the morning and I thought it was best not call it off. Not everyone got the message and I am sorry. We will do something for Ash Wednesday this weekend. Today is National Battery Day. Some of us are discovering how difficult life is when the batter...y goes bad. Life is full of hardship, challenges, and inconveniences, but it is also filled with joy and grace. While the car battery and cell phone battery may fail, what matters is how is your battery? Plug yourself in and get recharged this weekend in worship as we start our Lenten Sermon Series: The Road Back to God: You Count in God’s Eyes. BIBLE READING: Chapter 23: Isaiah’s prophecy against Tyre. Tyre is north of Israel and along the Mediterranean Sea. While it was the land of the as in the land of the Phoenicians, during Isaiah’s time it was occupied by Assyria. (1) Tyre is destroyed, and the people of Tyre should mourn. Gone are the trading vessels from Egypt. (6) People of Tyre who once rejoiced are now going into exile. (8) God planned to bring down the pride of Tyre. (10) God has declared the harbor and fortress of Tyre shall be destroyed and the Assyrians destroyed the town. (15) Tyre will be abandoned for 70 years, then trade will be restored. It is a dishonest and immoral trade as it is referred to as prostitution. But the profits will be set apart for God. TODAY: Noon: Piecemakers Quilting Group 5:30 pm Aerobics FRIDAY: 6:30 am Men’s Bible Study Have a great day, stay warm, love others. Eric

Ash Wednesday will not be at new site. I will be at the church. Plus there will be an opportunity on Saturday and Sunday

Happy Ash Wednesday! We Challenge you this Lenten season to give something up or take something on during lent to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice. Comment below to let us know what you decided to do!

Faithsteps for Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 From 6:30-8:00 am drive by the new building for the imposition of ashes, a time of prayer, and a Lenten Devotional Guide. There is so much going on in our world, it is easy to drift away from God, so join PUMC as we take The Road Back to God. BIBLE READING: ... Chapter 22: (1) The valley of vision is a reference to Jerusalem. It is possible this oracle referees to the year 701 when the Assyrians on their way to attack Egypt made a deal with Jerusalem thus avoiding a war. The time will come later when Judah will revolt against Assyrians. (2) The city of Jerusalem is rejoicing, yet Isaiah sees the future when Jerusalem shall be conquered. (9) When Jerusalem is about to be besieged, (by Assyria) the city responses by tearing down houses to use the stone to repair the walls, and by building a reservoir to store water in the city. (12) God wanted the people to repent, but the people did not turn to God and instead trusted in their defenses and celebrated. (14) God says this evil will not be forgiven. (15) The palace administrator, Shebna, (not a Jewish name) who has been supporting a series of alliances will be removed. (20) Shebna will be replaced by Eliakim (a Jewish name). He will be a man of trust and strength. He is like a well-placed nail that can support a load. (25) But the day will come when Eliakim will fall. Do we trust more in our government or God? TODAY 6:30-8:00 am ASH WEDNESDAY at New building 3:15 pm Pastor Eric at Middle School 5:00 pm Girl BSA Troop 6:00 pm Youth ONUW 7:00 pm Youth Bible Study THURSDAY: 12:00 pm Piecemakers Quilting and sewing group 5:30 pm Aerobics CLOSING BLESSING: Trust in the Lord and in God’s righteousness and God will be with you through the struggles.

Faithsteps for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 I shared yesterday about the dusting of snow in San Antonio, that dusting grew to three to four inches of snow, sub-freezing temperatures and power outages in the city. Jo Ann’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law are some of the two million people in Texas who have lost power. The largest grocery store chain in San Antonio closed their stores when the snow and cold hit (they plan to reopen today at noon). Yesterday some of the snow... melted and then refroze on the roads creating patches of black ice. While we long for spring, at least here in northern Missouri we are prepared for the cold: warm clothes, a power grid designed to meet this load, snow plows, and trucks spreading salt and cinders. Let us pray for people and communities that are negatively impacted by this artic cold and give thanks for the people in our community that do the work to keep us warm, fed, safe, and mobile. BIBLE READING: Chapter 21: Isaiah’s visions regarding Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. (1) Depending on your translation, you might not know this is referring to the nation of Babylon. (2) Isaiah has a vision of the destruction of Babylon from Elam and Media. These are nations that are east and north of Babylon in modern day Iran and Iraq. This vision actually causes pain to Isaiah. (6) In the vision God tells Isaiah to post a sentry and if riders come two by two Babylon has fallen In the vision the riders come. (10) Israel has suffered, but now God is giving good news. Remember, Isaiah will never see the rise of Babylon, the Babylonian conquest over Jerusalem, the exile, and the conquering of Babylon by the Persians (who live in the area of the Elamites and Mede. This is all a prediction of the future). (11) This is a strange prophecy against Edom which is directly south of Jerusalem/Judah. In this vision the night watchman says, morning is coming, but it is still night. (13) The nomads of Arabia (modern day Saudi Arabia) need to be prepared to welcome war refugees. The army of Kedar will be destroyed within the year.(While there is no historical evidence to support this, decades later the land is conquered under King Nebuchadnezzar) Wednesday: ASH WEDNESDAY: Drive up Service at new Church: 6:30 am-8:00 am and 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. A time of prayer, imposition of ashes, and a Lenten devotional guide. 3:15 pm Pastor Eric at Middle School School 5:00 pm Girl’s BSA 6:00 pm ONUW 7:00 pm Youth Bible Group BLESSING: Stay warm, be wise, love others and know that you are loved. Amen.

Weekly Email is out! https://mailchi.mp/139b/palmyra-umc-monday-message-3745874