Top 5 @ SPUMC

#1 ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE!
We wrapped up our worship series, (Not So) Silly Love Songs, in a big way this past Sunday. We got to explore the interplay between the Beatles’ iconic song — All You Need Is Love — and the “other” Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthian church to get over their bickering, divisions and spiritual pride and let love be the thing that holds them together. Rev. Ron’s sermon also included some reflections on our contemporary crisis of polarization (political, theological, cultural) and he urged us all to consider replacing our contempt for others who think or believe differently than we do with convicted humility. Rev. Ron lifted up the example of Arthur Brooks (former head of the Conservative think tank, the American Enterprise Institute and now professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School for Public Policy) who challenged Democrats and Republicans alike at the recent National Prayer Breakfast to love/listen to/respect their “enemies” as commanded by Jesus. We had great music all morning including the Baltimore Brass at 11am who played a number of spirituals and channeled their very best Beatles imitation on All You Need Is Love!

#2 DIG INTO LUKE THIS LENT!
Lent Classes begin the week of March 1. This year’s focus in both worship and our small groups will be on the Gospel of Luke and we are offering a variety of studies and meeting days/times. You can sign-up in Fellowship Hall if you want to be part of a class or find more information on our website.

#3 ASH WEDNESDAY
We’ll be having services at 12noon and 7pm on Wednesday, February 26. Imposition of ashes will also be available throughout the day with one of our pastors starting at 7am. Feel free to come by the church throughout the day for a time of prayer and to receive the mark of the cross. Start your Lent in a meaningful way.

# 4 NEW F&R BOOK FOR FEBRUARY
The Faith & Race Group’s new book for February is Maya Angelou’s beloved memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and copies are available for purchase in Fellowship Hall for just $8. First in a seven-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. Join us for our discussion on February 25 at 7pm in the Parlor. Contact Rev. Ron if you want to know more about the group.

#5 A FUN NIGHT OF MUSIC AT LIBATIONS!
SPUMC musicians took their talents out of the Sanctuary and into the community this past Sunday night as the culmination of our (Not So) Silly Love Songs worship series. A bunch of folks were on hand to hear Josh, Meg, Chris, Summer, Carlos and Wes fill the restaurant with love songs of all kinds and lots of bystanders got to join in the fun, too and be part of this outreach. We may make Sunday nights at Libations a more regular thing so stay tuned for upcoming dates. Thanks to everyone who came out and performed or cheered on our musicians and special thanks to Chris Dillard for making the night happen.