Ephata Choir

In 1997 ten young people of the United Methodist Church in Friedrichsdorf/Germany founded a Choir with the help of some adults. More and more people joined the group, which now has about 50 members at every age and regularly sings during Sunday worship.
Searching for a name we found the Bible story where Jesus healed a terminally ill man (Mark 7, 31 – 37). "Ephata!", he said, which means: "Open up!"
The Choir Ephata would like to invite people to open themselves to Jesus Christ and for a new life in Christian discipleship. Music helps our hearts to be opened for God.
In July 2000 we made a first Choir tour to the USA. It was a tremendous experience of Christian fellowship in so many congregations and families. So, we decided to venture other tours. After being present in the USA a second time and tours to England and the Czech Republic, our plan to visit the Republic of South Africa became a reality in the year 2008. This tour deeply moved us as we met many unique and impressive ambassadors of God’s love, caring in particular for the poor and the disadvantaged.
The opportunity to be guests in so many churches and to meet so many people is the most important gift for us when we give concerts and meet other congregations in our country or abroad.

We would like to extend an invitation for all of you to come to this awesome concert on Sunday, March 31st at 5.30pm in the sanctuary at Warren's Grove. Immediately after the service feel free to stay for a covered-dish supper. All are invited!

Confess Your Sins

James 5.16: “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.”
During the season of Lent we would like to invite all of you to come and be intentional with living into this injunction from James. This is an intentional time to lay before another person some of the sins that have haunted us and the darkness that has kept us from living into God's best for us.
We will be setting aside time Sunday afternoons during Lent where you can come and meet with either Philip Chryst, Jason Knott, or Lisa Reynolds. This will be confidential — and will be treated with the utmost respect and love. We are not going to be putting up screens and hiding in booths, instead we are going to do this in a way that the Bible tells us to do — and that is to confess one to another and pray for one another.
In our heart of hearts — we know that we struggle with sins. Yes, we think sometimes that we are not as bad as some people, but when we look into the depths of our heart we realize that we are sinners in need of a savior. We scratch just below our surfaces and find resentment, bitterness, jealousy, laziness, greed, arrogance, lust, gossip, anger, rage, envy — and that's just to name a few. We are truly sinners in need of a savior.
Below you will find the dates for this time of confessing our sins to one another. Please go to the downstairs entryway of Warren's Grove and either put your name in a time slot or just mark through a time slot (for confidentiality). This way we will be able to plan for how many people will be coming. If you have any further questions please see Pastor Philip Chryst (336.592.3400 or pchryst@nccumc.org) or Pastor Jason Knott.
Sunday, February 17th from 2pm-4pm
Sunday, February 24th from 2pm-4pm
Sunday, March 3rd from 2pm-4pm
Sunday, March 10th from 2pm-4pm
Sunday, March 17th from 2pm-4pm
Sunday, March 24th from 2pm-4pm

Luke 5.1-11

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on Luke 5.1-11. In this passage we see the calling of the first disciples in the gospel of Luke. Jesus does not have enough room on the shore to preach ----- so he asks a fisherman to take him out a little way and let him preach from the boat (preaching from a boat would have to be cool). Once the message is done, Jesus then turns to Simon the fisherman and says ------ let's go out and catch some fish. Simon then has to make a decision ------ he has been out all night fishing and the preacher / miracle worker / carpenter has told him to go and try again. He can either act on this advice ----- or say no way. When Simon does what Jesus tells him to do he catches so many fish the boat(s) begin to sink.

Interestingly, when Simon has this happen to his boat ------ he doesn't begin running around talking about how much money he has just made. Instead he falls to his knees, at the feet of Jesus, and says "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" The miraculous blessing elicits a response from Simon ----- the response of confession. Simon confesses his own inadequacies and his own sinfulness.

Is there a time in your own life where the Lord has revealed himself to you ----- and you felt inadequate and ill-prepared? If so, what did you do?

Covenant Renewal Service 2013

Luke 2.41-52

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on Luke 2.41-52. In this passage we see the only example of the young Jesus in all the gospels. Here he goes with his parents to the Temple at the festival of the Passover. This annual pilgrimage was when he was 12 years of age. Jesus had been memorizing from the Torah and ended up staying behind and engaging with the rabbis that were at the temple. His parents had to return to Jerusalem to find him there. After asking where he had been ----- for they were surely nervous when they did not find him in the caravan ----- he said: "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2.49) It then says that Jesus went back home with his parents and was obedient to them. During these growing up years it says that "Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor." (Luke 2.52)

What we will be focusing on this coming Sunday is how Jesus grew in holy habits. Habits of scripture reading, engaging in the Word of God, obedience, wisdom, and worship. As we come to the beginning of 2013 we would like to be intentional in giving each of us an opportunity to make commitments to the Lord in our holy habits. We would look to Jesus, who is our example and guide, so that he can show us what it means to be one dedicated to the Lord. I would encourage all of you to be in prayer, considering the commitments that the Lord is laying on your hearts ------ and then come and make that commitment before the Lord this coming Sunday.

Hebrews 12.18-29

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on Hebrews 12.18-29. In this passage the writer lays out for us two different mountains. There is Mount Sinai, where the people [and animals] were not able to touch the mount for fear of God. And there is Mount Zion, that is the heavenly Jerusalem. A place of festal gathering that is inhabited by angels, by the first born, the Judge of all, spirits of the righteous, and by Jesus.

This Jesus is the one who is our mediator of the new covenant [v24]. And he speaks to us a better word then a word of vengeance. As Christians we are called to participate with this new Jerusalem by worshiping the Lord. But, in verses 25-29 we come to understand that there are those who have turned away from this new covenant [v25]. They refuse this Jesus who is speaking. They reject the one who warns from heaven [v25]. Whatever is left to shake will be shaken and our God is an all-consuming fire [v29].

This is a dire warning from the preacher to those who have become lethargic in their faith ----- who have become disinterested. The preacher is reminding them that there are cosmic consequences in what we do when we gather together. That we are worshiping the very creator of all that is seen and unseen ------ and in that worship we are living into the reality of the New Jerusalem. How can we refuse this calling? How can we reject this Jesus who is speaking to us? If we do there are cosmic consequences for us ------ as we reject our first love. Therefore, let us persevere in the faith.

Hebrews 12.1-4 - All Saints Day

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on Hebrews 12.1-4.  This passage gives us that famous verse that says: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."  In the previous chapter we see numerous examples of the saints of God that have gone before us.  These saints that exemplified the faith of God.  And now we are surrounded by these witnesses to the faith ------ therefore we are to lay aside the lethargy, the laziness, and the sin ------ and run the race that is before us.  We are being cheered on by those who have gone before us ------ saying that we can do this.  And we can do this because Christ has made a way where there seemed to be no way.  Continuing on to verse 3 it says: "Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart."  When we think of what Jesus endured on our behalf ----- this should enliven us to persevere in the race that is laid before us.  To not turn back to our sinful ways ----- but instead to persevere until the very end. 

Traditionally on this Sunday, we recognize those saints who have gone before us.  This Sunday we are going  to continue to do that, but also give everyone an opportunity to share about a saint of God that impacted their lives.  I would like to invite you to prayerfully consider sharing during our Sunday morning All Saints Day services.  You might want to read something that has impacted you, share a song, display an art piece, or tell a story.  Please consider doing that as we share the lives of those saints of God who have impacted our lives. 

Invitation

Amendment One - Let's Talk About It

On Sunday, May 6th at 5:30pm you are invited to a discussion on Amendment One. On May 8th North Carolina voters are invited to vote on Amendment One that states: "Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State." This has become an issue that is causing folks to yell and scream at each other. We are seeing the talking heads on TV getting caught up in vitriolic anger toward one another. In the midst of that I have seen folks that legitimately want to have an intelligent conversation about this subject. We are going to try to provide a platform for such a topic. But it is going to be a platform that is based on Christian love and kindness. A place where we can be safe to talk about this tough subject. As Christians we ought to be able to listen to one another and let other people complete their sentences. I want to invite you to come and be a part of putting love into action as we discuss Amendment One. This will be held in the fellowship hall at Warren's Grove United Methodist Church in Roxboro, NC. We are located at 1511 Wesleyan Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. If you need directions please call 336.592.3400.

Holy Week Services

Sunday, April 1st at 8:45am & 11am: Palm / Passion Sunday

Sunday, April 1st at 5:30pm: Common Table Service – Staci Vaughan will be sharing about her experience on Good Friday last year.

Monday, April 2nd at 7pm: Holy Monday - Foot Washing service, communion will be served.

Tuesday, April 3rd at 7pm: Holy Tuesday - Healing & Anointing service, communion will be served.

Wednesday, April 4th at 7pm: Holy Wednesday – A service of Instruction on the Lord’s Supper.

Thursday, April 5th at 7pm: Maundy Thursday - Stripping of the Altar service, communion will be served.

Friday, April 6th at 7pm: Good Friday - Stations of the Cross service, starting in the sanctuary and ending in the church yard.

Saturday, April 7th at 10am: Holy Saturday - Scripture Reading, Prayer, and Candle Lighting service.

Saturday, April 7th from 11am-2pm: Easter Egg Hunt at the church yard. Lunch will be provided. All children are invited.

Sunday, April 8th at 7am: Easter Sunrise Service – this is with our sister church, Lea's Chapel UMC. Breakfast is furnished by Lea's Chapel (directions on back).

Sunday, April 8th at 8.45am & 11am: Easter Sunday services

Sunday, April 8th at 5:30pm: Common Table Service. Held in the fellowship hall. There will be an art show with the theme of “Light”. Everyone is to bring some finger foods to share.

Common Table

I am really excited about this new venture that we are taking as a church. Common Table has been talked about and discussed ever since we started WikiWorship. If you will remember ---- the last time we had WikiWorship it was on Sunday Evenings. As a result of this great time of fellowship and growing with each other we have decided to begin Common Table. This is a regular gathering on Sunday evenings at 5:30pm in our new fellowship hall. This will be a very relaxed atmosphere, where you will be encouraged to have a cup of coffee and sit in the worship service. There will be singing, praying, scripture reading, but also lots of interaction. The first week will be very similar to WikiWorship. We will address a question. That question is: "If religion is supposed to preach open-mindedness and forgiveness, why are they the first ones to close their hearts and minds to the other religions?" This will be discussed in light of the passage from Luke 23.34 where Jesus says from the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Come on out for this wonderful time to grow in our faith and to share fellowship with one another at the table. There will be a meal right after the service.

Ash Wednesday

This is an article that I wrote on Ash Wednesday. I hope this is helpful.

During the forty days leading up to Easter the church traditionally observes a time of penance and fasting. This time of preparation for Easter is commonly called Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (which is March 9th this year) and ends on the Saturday before Easter. Ash Wednesday is a day that is set aside for us to remember that God created us out of the dust of the earth. While at the same time, it is to dust we shall return, like it says in Genesis 3.19: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

An early church father, named Gregory of Nyssa, would take his students into the catacombs and show them the decaying bones. In Homilies on the Beatitudes, he wrote: “Have you not seen in the burial ground the mysteries of our existence? Have you not seen the heap of bones piled on each other, skulls stripped of flesh, staring fearsome and horrible from empty eye-sockets? Have you seen the grinning mouths and the rest of the limbs lying casually about? If you have seen those things, then in them you have observed yourself.” Ash Wednesday creates space for us to deal with our mortality. To stare into the eyes of death and see Jesus' passionate arms reaching for us from the cross.

What the church offers us on Ash Wednesday is not some quick fix—it is not some miracle drug—it is not some hair dying kit. Instead, what the church offers us is the opportunity to embrace our mortality. To look at the bones decaying and realize that we are dust—and to dust we shall return. We are not offering a picturesque stained glass Jesus or promises of the picture perfect family. Instead, the church is offering you what is real. That we all face our death, and that we all face our sin. God is the one who will make us clean—even in the midst of our death and sin. Let us find our hope in the one who overcame death and sin. The one we follow as we carry our crosses through this Lenten journey.

During Lent last year we celebrated Palm Sunday. During that Sunday we remember Jesus' triumphal entry where people waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna! For Ash Wednesday we take those same palm branches and burn them—saving the ashes that are left. Then we apply them to our foreheads—reminding ourselves of the sins that so easily ensnare us. How we participate in celebrating Jesus, while turning our backs on him when the going gets too tough. This is our calling to repent of our sins and embrace our crucified savior and Lord.

I would encourage you to attend an Ash Wednesday service this year. For it is an opportunity for us to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. While at the same time it helps us to remember that our hope and power come only from Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Building the Warren's Grove Sanctuary

The Christian Faith

While we are remodeling the downstairs section of our building we are combining our Adult Sunday School classes. These classes will be held in the sanctuary. During this time we are going to be teaching on some of the core beliefs of the Christian Faith. You are invited to come and learn more. Here is the breakdown of the classes:

Sunday, January 8th @ 10am - Rev. Milton Hadley will be teaching on the Missional Church
Sunday, January 15th @ 10am - Jed Poston will be sharing about how the Lord has called him into the ministry and what it means to be called.
Sunday, January 22nd @ 10am - Pastor Ben Burnside will be teaching on the Atonement.
Sunday, January 29th @ 10am - Youth Pastor Colin Knapp will be teaching on Heresies.
Sunday, February 5th @ 10am - Pastor Ben Burnside will be teaching on the Trinity and the Sacraments.
Sunday, February 12th @ 10am - Youth Pastor Colin Knapp will be teaching on the Holy Spirit.

Why Do We Worship on Christmas Eve?

This was an article that I wrote for the Courier=Times on December 17th, 2011.

This time of year I have visions of my childhood. I see candles being held by countless people. I see a sea of illumined faces singing of how silent a particular night was long time ago. I see families gathered together to lift up the name of their Lord. I see a well-worn ancient book opened to particular pages and read by people that have been shaped by the book.

These visions of my childhood remind me of the gathered church coming together on that “Silent Night” — that “Holy Night”. Some of my fondest memories growing up have to do with my family going out into the dark and cold of the night to worship the God who came in the flesh. This was a time to worship the God who was radical enough to be born like one of us. This God is Jesus Christ who is the Lord of lords and the King of kings.

In my first few years of living in Roxboro, I was shocked at how few people actually gather for worship on Christmas Eve. Countless folks would respond to my shock by saying that they were gathering together with family in different homes or out of town to do “Christmas”. I would then say: “Well, you know that they are invited to worship Jesus as well, and you know there are churches in other towns that gather for worship.”

Recently there has been a constant barrage of criticism at corporations and organizations that are attempting to be politically correct by saying: “Happy Holidays”, rather than “Merry Christmas”. I have heard this criticism emerge from the so-called Christian community. But I would ask, if we think that we are to remember that Jesus is the “reason for the season”, then I can think of no better way to remember the incarnation then by gathering together and worshiping the God who came in the flesh. This time of worship should then stir within us a desire to go and serve Jesus as the church he has called out of darkness into his wonderful light.

The word Christmas has evolved over the centuries. Christmas began as the “Christ Mass”, which was celebrated by the church over a millennium ago. This “Christ Mass” would be a gathering of the church to remember the incarnation of Jesus and then celebrate his coming in the flesh through communion.

What the “Christ Mass” has evolved into is what many churches call the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. At this service there traditionally is the reading of Luke 2, the singing of hymns, a reflection on how we are changed by the incarnation, the partaking of the Lord's Supper, and the lighting of individual candles as everyone sings “Silent Night”.

This is a time for all of us to remember that Christmas is not about us, and it is not about our desires and wants. Instead, we remember that the God of the universe came and was born in a feeding trough.

This year, bring your whole family to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. If your particular church doesn't have a service then encourage your pastor to begin one. Grab a candle and gather with others as we go out into the night worshiping the God who came to us. Spend some time around the manger throne this season because we are given an opportunity to gaze in and reflect on God's great love for us.

Putting up Molding

Laying Drains & Putting up Sheetrock

Writing on the foundation

Operation Christmas Child - 2011

This coming Sunday we will be having our annual Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Packing event. Click on the image above to go to a link that will describe what we need to bring to this event. Bring all of the things you need to pack a shoe box, along with a shoe box ----- and then we will be packing them. This will be on Sunday, November 6th at 4pm in our fellowship hall. If you have any questions you can see Evelyn Duncan.

Pouring Concrete - Part #4 - 9.9.2011