Church of the Cross United Methodist Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-7
Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker
We do not ask to be born. We do not ask to be born again. But when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, we ARE born again! We have no more control over it than our physical birth—it happens to us as a gift from God.

Scripture: Romans 5:12-17, Matthew :1-11
Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker
It is not a sin to be tempted—giving in to temptation is. We cannot deal with temptation by ourselves, but with the Word of God, we can. Get into the Word this Lenten Season and take a journey with God.

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Speaker: Rev. Carla Stengel
Lent is the holiest of seasons in the Christian Life. A time of introspection—time to look deep into our souls, to realize our fragile state, our mortality and our deep need for God. When we are so filled with the business of life, there is no room left for God. But if we pour ourselves out, we have room to invite God in. Lent is a time to give up what we are for what we may become.

Scriptures: Exodus 24-12-18 & Matthew 17:1-9
Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker
Jesus’ transformation took place while he was praying. We cannot experience the mystery of God without first connecting to God in prayer. How many miracles happen just by praying? Events like this help connect the mystery of creation with all of eternity. We get a peek at what lies ahead of this everyday life.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 & Matthew 5:21-37
Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker
We face choices every day of our lives. Do we choose light or darkness—life or death? God loves us and cares for us. In the eyes of God we have great worth. Because of this, we can choose life. Choose to live a life of joy and gratitude!

Scripture: John 12:1-8
Speaker: Deaconess Marcia Florkey, Miami Valley District UMW President
Celebrating the many women in 150 years of history who sacrificed and served for the betterment of the Kingdom of God. We often think of “sacrifice” as martyrdom, but the essence of the meaning is to “let go” or “forego” or “surrender.” We need to surrender who we are and what we have and let Jesus do the work in and through us.