The Lenten Labyrinth

We at Lebanon UMC are undertaking an All Church Lenten study utilizing the book "The Lenten Labyrinth: Daily Reflections for the Journey of Lent" by Edward Hays. Copies are available at the church, or order one yourself, and join us in the pilgrimage of Lent this year. Join with us as we open our hearts to God's leading on the journey! Regular posts will continue as we move through the season.

"Rejoice" Edward Hays begins the introduction of his book The Lenten Labyrinth. "Rejoice! You are about to begin a great adventure and a journey of transformation which holds the power to change - to radically enrich - your way of thinking, loving and believing." As the journey begins, consider these questions: What places in your life do you hope for a change? In what places do you fear change? What resources assist you in moving through change?

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where theieves do not break in and steal. For where your trasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21

A Life-Giving Christmas

Do you want this Christmas to be different?

To focus on the things that really matter, rather than just things?

This Christmas, experience authentic joy... joy that doesn't come with a price tag.

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"A life Giving Christmas... keepin' it real" is about finding a more meaningful way to celebrate this year, and finding hope for the New Year. We have opportunities for you to experience community in service and in spiritual reflection.

What I Really Want for Christmas?

HOPE... Next Year Things Will be Different!

PEACE... Strenght to Hold On

JOY... To Get me Trough the Tough Days

LOVE... Gotta Have It.

God's Ring Tone

You know how you can set a different ring tone for a certain caller on your cell phone? So you can identify your kids, or your spouse or someone important just by the sound the phone makes when they call. Ever wonder what God’s ring tone sounds like? At the New England Annual Conference meeting in June (a gathering of 1,000 Methodist pastors and church members from across New England) you could hear all sorts of God-like ring tones: “Oh when the Saints . .” or Handel’s “Ha-le-lu-jah!” or a variety of hip hop Christian groups. Or maybe God’s ring tone is something different altogether.

Recently, I had the opportunity to wait for someone. Since I am almost always late, this doesn’t happen all that often. I have two small children, and a whole congregation, not to mention a bit of the workaholic gene. This tends to make my life fast motion. Even though I try hard not to be, I am very often late! (Sorry to all those who have had to wait on me!) So here I was, waiting, and I was without my calendar, computer, or anything at all to do. Perhaps THIS is what God’s ring tone is like. Because this was a good reminder of me to pay attention and s-l-o-o-o-w down, to pray and remember God. Maybe God’s ring tone is what ever makes us stop to listen for God’s voice. Whatever breaks into our ordinary routine and shifts our focus to God.

Maybe it is a moment where the sun breaks through. Check out this great photo taken by Parker, one of our teenaged members, who mows the lawn each week, he noticed the beautiful sunset and how it reflected off the granite bench next to our labyrinth. God’s ring tone – causing a pause in the ordinary routine to notice the spectacular Creation! What moments, experiences, opportunities have you had to meet God today, this week?

~Pastor Virg Fryer