March 3, 2023
Dear Peachtree Road Family,
I hope you are well. Over the last couple of weeks, I have been brooding over some words by West African Roman Catholic Cardinal Sarah in his book The Power of Silence:
“We often forget that Christ loved to be silent. He set out for the desert, not to go into exile, but to encounter God. And at the most crucial moment in his life, when there was screaming on all sides, covering him with all sorts of lies and calumnies, when the high priest asked him: ‘Have you no answer to make?’ Jesus preferred silence…Silence is sacred because it is God’s dwelling place…This is the tragedy of the modern world: man separates himself from God because he no longer believes in the value of silence. Without silence, God disappears in the noise.” (page 80)
Our Lenten theme this year is “The Sound of Silence,” and we are seeking ways to be still and listen for the voice of God speaking to our lives.
Have you been fasting and praying? Today is the day we have set aside to fast (from sundown Thursday until after 3:00 pm this afternoon) and pray (an online prayer meeting occurs each Friday morning during Lent from 7:30 – 7:45 am, Zoom 839 784 08295, and the Moore Chapel is open each Friday from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm for prayer). I hope you are able to make some space in your life in these days to quiet your soul, calm your spirit, and experience God in the silence.
This Sunday is the second Sunday in Lent, and we will reflect upon the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple in a message entitled “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” You can prepare for the message by reading the account in Isaiah 6:1-8. Together we will consider how reverence for God leads us into a deeper and more vital faith. I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at one of our services: 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you are unable to make it in person, please join us online for the livestream of one of the services at www.prumc.org.
During this holy season of Lent, we as a congregation are engaging in seeking to make a difference in our community in a couple of important ways:
- Season of Service – a great way to serve others and make an impact in our community. I hope you will join us in this year’s emphasis under the title “Together We Serve.” You may find a list of projects and sign up here. Pick one and join your fellow members of Peachtree Road UMC in being the hands and feet of Christ.
- Lenten Offering – once again this year our special giving during the season of Lent will be used to support the agencies and ministries in the Greater Atlanta area with whom we partner. As you give up a couple of meals each week, consider giving the money you are saving to this offering. If each of us gave just $20 a week or $120 for the season, it would make a tremendous impact upon the lives of others. Please give to this offering here.
Finally, are you or someone you know interested in becoming a member of Peachtree Road UMC? Then join us for “Tea with the Clergy” on Sunday, March 26, at 12:30 pm. This will be an opportunity for you to meet our ministerial staff, hear about the history and ministry of the church, ask questions, and discover where you fit into the ministry of this great church. We already have nearly 30 persons signed up for this month’s gathering. If you would like to learn more about the steps in becoming a member, please contact Rev. Elizabeth Byrd at elizabethb@prumc.org.
Thank you for your commitment to being a follower of Jesus Christ. I hope to see you on Sunday in worship.
Grace and peace,
Bill