Edinboro United Methodist Church

When Jesus declared on the cross that "it is finished," consider the ample ground that his declaration covered. His earthly life was finished, to be certain. ...His work was finished, completed with integrity and obedience. His suffering was finished, and not a moment too soon. His ministry was finished, the fullness of God having been incarnated in the brokenness of our world. But, in addition to all of these important "finishes," might Jesus have had something even more cosmic in mind? Might he have been telling us that sin's stranglehold upon humanity was finished? That the crippling dominion of death was finished? That the alienation between divinity and humanity was finished? Perhaps Jesus was telling us that, through his death, he had finished construction on a supernatural reconciliationa bridge, if you will, across the spiritual chasm that separates us from the One who created us. I am speaking of the kind of connection that we, on our own, do not have the wherewithal to establisha secure viaduct that spans the vast distance between our fallenness and the beautiful heart of God. Through his suffering and death, Jesus built a bridge. Best of all, the bridge that Jesus built is completely and irrevocably... ...finished.

Today we remember the greatest sacrifice of all. #GoodFriday (Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications)

We have been handing out Holy Week at Home Devotional Bags all week, and we still have several left. Each bag includes a symbol and devotion for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday and Easter. If you would like a meaningful way to reflect and engage over the next few days until Easter, bags can be picked up until 8:00 p.m. tonight (Thursday) or from 9:00 a.m. - Noon tomorrow (Friday). Make sure to take one for each member of your family!

We at #UMNews wish you a blessed #PalmSunday and #HolyWeek ahead!

All Saints Day provides an opportunity to remember the promises of eternity. It is a way of looking through all that is surrounding us now into a future that looks significantly different. Rather than an escape, All Saints Day is a call to action. This is an opportunity to live into this promised future: the kin-dom of God where there is no hunger or thirst, no suffering or death, no mourning or tears. It is a promise in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that promise is o...ur joy. However you envision this hope, it is a grace to cling to in uncertain times. We look toward the multitudes who have gone before us. Our cloud of witnesses represent this promise and are a beacon of light in our darkness. In celebrating them we also desire to honor them by how we live. Join us in worship as we experience the promise of joy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-Yi4TgtzT8

Don't forget to turn your clock BACK one hour this evening before heading to bed. Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

#DoNoHarmDoGoodLoveGod

Jesus began his public ministry by announcing that God’s kin-dom has come near. He calls the first followers, performs miracles of healing...and according to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches from the mountain with a series of blessings. We call these blessings the Beatitudes. Blest are they who are poor and meek. Blest are the merciful and the peacemakers. Blessed. Some readings translate it as "Happy are those"... But there are subtle and substantive differences betwee...n blessing, happiness, and joy. And yet they are often deeply connected. This week we will hear from Paul as he encourages us to find present joy in being like Jesus through our loving service of others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyq7MNSdIQs

This 12-day Bible reading plan is a wonderful resource to help us turn our focus back to God and the part that God calls us to play in the world around us. Click on the link, download it, and print it out if you'd like to be able to journal your answers; or you can access it on your computer or mobile device to reflect on your answers at home or on the go. However you decide to use it, please make sure that you share this with anyone you know who might be looking for a way ...reconnect and refresh in the midst of these crazy days! #DoNoHarmDoGoodLoveGod

#AvoidHarmDoGoodLoveGod

Joy is impossible to define, but it can be described. The most inspirational people to have walked this earth have tried to express what joy means to them. For example, The Dali Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu would co-author The Book of Joy. They would focus on community and compassion and gratitude. Helen Keller described joy as the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Mother Teresa wrote, Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a ...net of love by which you can catch souls. And C. S. Lewis referred to joy as the serious business of Heaven. Describing joy is very difficult, but is also very worthwhile. The more you tune in to joy and let yourself feel it, the more you learn about what it is. Tune in to worship as we dive into how we find joy and then put it into practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTtmucJQuRU

How joyful are you feeling these days? After all, so many things seem to threaten our ability to rejoice and be glad. As we continue our journey through Philippians, we will once again hear from Paul, an early Christian imprisoned for his faith. But Paul was resolute that nothing could stealing his joy. What brings you joy? Do you answer the question differently if it asks what makes you happy? Join us in worship this morning as we are challenged to find joy and share it with others, no matter what else is happening in the world around us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_lgtAQ2iLY

Amen! #DoNoHarmDoGoodLoveGod

Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise! #DoNoHarmDoGoodLoveGod

This morning we begin to a new worship series entitled Present Joy. As we journey through Philippians, our guide toward joy will be Paul. The details of his difficult circumstances are different than our own, and yet Paul would undoubtedly understand our world and life today. The attitude that Paul models, the encouragement he gives, and the wisdom of his faith in Jesus Christ shines through any difficulty that came his way. Writing from jail, he is bound. In Christ, he is bound for joy. Do you want joy to abound in you? Then begin with us as Paul would - by seeking out, leaning in, and lifting up praise and adoration to our God of love. Join us in worship! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-U6yWgQs00