Tarpon Methodist e-Newsletter |
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Newsletter January 8, 2022 |
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“How to say you are sorry and mean it” Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 When it comes to saying we are sorry, what should we do? Psalm 51 gives us some pretty good points to consider. In this New Year, you might have made many resolutions already, but have you thought about how you interact with others when you sin against them? Being able to apologize well is something that every Christian needs in his or her toolkit. Saying that you are sorry another “feels” that way is not an apology. Neither is the old legal phrase, “we regret the error.” When apologizing, it is good to follow the formula that Psalm 51 gives us for confessing our sins to God. After all, if we need to apologize, there is most often some form of sin involved. First, ask for mercy. The psalmist writes, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness…” (v.1). Acknowledging that we need mercy is humbling, but no one likes a proud apology. Secondly, acknowledge what you did. Be specific. The Psalm reads, “For I acknowledge my transgressions…” (v.3). An “I’m sorry that you think I did something” is one of the worst things you can say, for it simply says you do not believe there is anything to apologize for, and that is hurtful. Next, acknowledge whom you have wronged. “Against You, You only, have I sinned…” (v.4). Tell the person, “I have hurt you, ______.” When we use the name of someone in confessing our wrong, it is restorative. That person hears her name in connection with what she knows happened, and it a deep acknowledgment that just as a name is personal, the hurt you gave to the person was personal as well. |
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Be realistic as to who you are. Admit that you are broken, and do not use it as an excuse, but acknowledge that you need mercy because of your brokenness, and that this is not a once in a century event. Next, ask for forgiveness. “Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities…” (v. 9). A solid, “please forgive me” is the ultimate show of humility. You are saying that you need the forgiveness of the other, and are humble enough to ask. Next, ask for renewal. “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (v. 10). Ask if you can, start over, fresh and new, as the moment lends itself to it, and then stick to it. You are admitting that not only do you need forgiveness; you need a reset. It is a humble ask, but one you both need. Finally, you need to let yourself experience brokenness so that you may become whole, or none of this works. If you do not think you need forgiveness, or that it is beneath you to ask, you cannot do any of the above. God is not about shame, but conviction. If you will let the Holy Spirit convict you, the Scripture is clear as to how God sees that. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17 New Year. New challenges. New you. It can be done, if you are willing, humble and always ready to put others first. Pastor Edward |
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In-Person Worship Our regular in-person worship schedules are: Contemporary---Sunday at 9:00am Traditional---Sunday at 11:00 am. Both are in the sanctuary and both are live-streamed via Facebook. We are live-streaming on Youtube as well. Please go to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb4-nEW0fAPC79WLRqQ_nVw |
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Hymns for 11am Worship Service January 9th UMH #163 Ask Ye What Great Thing I know (v.1,2) UMH #400 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (v.1,3) |
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NEW COVID GUIDELINES (Updated 1/8/2022) Due to the current situation with the omicron variant, masks are strongly encouraged while inside the sanctuary, regardless of your vaccination status. Please keep the social distance as well. Let show our love and consideration for our neighbors, especially to those who are vulnerable. Thank you for your understanding! |
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Griefshare Support Group Starts on Monday, January 10th 10am-Noon Please contact church office to sign up or for questions. |
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NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Starts on January 9th at 10am. 6 weeks DVD class on heaven, the Resurrection, and the mission of the church by Dr. N.T. Wright. Please contact Nako at kellumnako@gmail.com to sign up. Study guide available. |
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Your Estimate of Giving Card If you received an estimate of giving card, please turn it in this Sunday! If you have not received the card, we will be mailing it to you. Please prayerfully consider your estimate of giving for 2022. Talk to God and see what He wants you to do! |
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Celebrate Recovery is fro EVERYONE who has hurts, habits and hang-ups that is making life difficult. It is a Bible-based 12 steps program. Meets every Sunday at 1:30pm at the back of the Sanctuary. Join us! |
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LET US PRAY! Please email your prayer requests to praytarponmethodist@gmail.com We have our prayer meeting on Wednesdays at 5 pm in the Conference Room in the office. |
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Please continue to honor God through your offering and tithing. There are baskets at the door to the sanctuary or you can mail your giving to: Tarpon Springs FUMC 501 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 *Online giving is also available. Please contact the church office for detailed information, or go to our church website and click "myEoffering". We thank you for your faithfulness! |
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If you would like to be removed from these updates, please email 1stumcts@gmail.com and in memo "REMOVE FROM MAILING" Thank you. |
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Know Christ and Make Christ Known! |
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