Friday, May 21, 2021
Focus Church: Braymer (First)/Breckenridge
Pastor: Michael Tipton and spouse Melanie
Prayers are requested for the family of Mary Elizabeth Hodge (wife of the late Reverend Rex Hodge) who passed away on May 15, 2021. Notes of caring may be sent to Mt Carmel (Springfield) UMC, 1001 N National Ave
Springfield, MO 65802-3612.
Scripture – Romans 8:22-27
22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Focus Church: Broadway (Plattsburg)
Pastor: Cassie Graham and spouse Aaron
Scripture – John 15:26-27
26 “When the Companion[a] comes, whom I will send from the Father—the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 You will testify too, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Focus Church: Burlington Junction/Wilcox
Pastor: Marsha A Martin and spouse Curtis
Mozambique Church: Hunguana (Unguana)
Pastor: Ranito Hilario Machenguele
Scripture: John 16:4b-15
4 But I have said these things to you so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them.
I go away
“I didn’t say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go away to the one who sent me. None of you ask me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Yet because I have said these things to you, you are filled with sorrow. 7 I assure you that it is better for you that I go away. If I don’t go away, the Companion[a] won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will show the world it was wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. 9 He will show the world it was wrong about sin because they don’t believe in me. 10 He will show the world it was wrong about righteousness because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore. 11 He will show the world it was wrong about judgment because this world’s ruler stands condemned.
I still have many things to say
12 “I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. 13 However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won’t speak on his own, but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and proclaim it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. That’s why I said that the Spirit takes what is mine and will proclaim it to you.
