Message from the Pastor

Each time I think of our current worship series for Lent, I confess I hear the song play in my head and sing a few lines of tell me something good. In this current Lenten season, I have invited you to take a green paper leaf each week and write a piece of good news on it before placing it on the kneeling rails. This past Sunday, I was overwhelmed at the good news scattered across the rails after the service. Late yesterday, I took the leaves and hand pinned each of them to the tree on the center of the altar. These branches are dry and brittle having fallen off during the ice storm and left on the side of the road. They snap off easily, and so I ever so carefully applied good news to them. News of freshly baked bread, good doctor's reports, time with grandchildren, and carrying a sense of hope. At a clergywomen gathering last week, I made a collage in which I placed a quote by Mary Oliver that said, "to pay attention, this is our endless and proper work." When I pin my good news alongside your leaves on our tree, I pray that we will continue the holy work of paying attention to the good. I know there is so much right now that we ache over, that we lament together, and that we grieve deeply. Grounding ourselves in the good news of God each week does not take the reality of our collective grief away but makes the work of tuning our eyes and ears to still name what is good all the more important. As I shared John Roedel's poem this past Sunday, there is so much we cannot do on our own, but we can choose to keep loving our neighbors without strings and conditions. Last week I met new clergywomen friends and laughed with old ones. I climbed to the top of an airplane in a children's museum and laughed at myself for being out of breath. I was delighted by my first trip to Delta Dairy this year. Yesterday I made visits that grounded me in the good news happening in the lives of those around me. I took a picture of Japanese magnolia blossoms. I watched my youngest daughter make friends with strangers on the soccer field while cheering on Kenley during her game. I learned yesterday that we were approved for another grant from the Intentional Growth Center that will allow us to continue outreach efforts with students from Parks Elementary and toddlers in our community. Each time, I tried to take a moment of pause and say, "this is good." Not to speed on to the next moment. Not to dread what I cannot fix or to control. Not to rush through to the next item I needed to take care of. I just sat and said, "this is good." What moments might God be inviting you to pause, to pay attention, and to respond with "this is good." Wherever today finds you, I hope you will join me in paying attention. Write the little things down. Nothing is too big or small to count as a measure of good news. In the meantime, I'll be cutting out extra paper leaves so that when we gather, good news overflows. So let us tell each other something good. Let us cover these dry branches so that on Easter morning we gaze at something bright and beautiful, something that makes us say "There it is. Good news really is alive in the. world."

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Hannah

Lectionary Readings for March

Sunday, March 1 — Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17
Sunday, March 8 — Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Sunday, March 15 — Fourth Sunday in Lent
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Sunday, March 22 — Fifth Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
Sunday, March 29 — Palm / Passion Sunday
Palm Service:
Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Passion Service:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54

The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG

Central District United Women in Faith is holding a Social Action Event on Saturday, March 21, at First UMC here in Cleveland. The theme for the event is “Faith, Fairness, and the Future: Power in the Central District.” The registration fee is $12. The deadline for registering is Saturday, March 14. The meeting will begin at 9:30 in the fellowship hall with coffee and pastries. The program begins at ten and will end at twelve. Panelists are Julia Sheets, Wesley Foundation Director and Representative Cheikh Taylor, Mississippi House of Representatives.

How do accessibility and affordability of power impact the lives of people in central Mississippi? What can we do? First, we can learn about the issues and how they affect people we know. The panelists will share their perspective and expertise. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concrete ways to respond to the issues. This topic is related to the National organization’s goal of Just Energy for All.

If you are interested in attending the Social Action Event, let Jackie Pennington know by Monday, March 9; so that she can get you registered. You do not have to be a member of UWFaith to attend. For further information contact Jackie at 662-719-5064 or jackiebill@tecinfo.com.

UWFaith Grace Circle will not meet in March. The next scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the church library.

The UWFaith Lunch Bunch will not meet until late April (date undecided). Members are encouraged to attend the Lenten Luncheons each Wednesday at First UMC.

Due to Winter Storm Fern canceling our events in January, our annual Crockpot Cook-Off will now take place on Palm Sunday, March 29, following the worship service. Participants are invited to prepare any crockpot dish or dessert for the competition. It’s fine if you don’t use a crockpot for your dessert. You can still receive votes. Please contact Kay Daves to participate. Some extension cords will be provided, but please bring your own if you have one at home. Attendees are welcome to sample all dishes until they’re gone and vote for their top three favorites. The chef with the most votes will receive the Golden Spoon award.

We will have our Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the Cook-Off. Parents are asked to bring a dozen prize-filled or non-melting candy-filled eggs for each child. A collection bin will be available in the Narthex for anyone from the congregation that would like to donate a dozen eggs. Parents can also place your kiddo’s eggs in the container. Kids, don’t forget your Easter baskets and remember to invite a friend or neighbor to join the event!

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE

The Lenten Lunches began the last week of February at First UMC in their Fellowship Hall. These are lunch-time gatherings that feature a light lunch provided by different churches (donations collected go to a worthy cause), music and a devotional provided by different pastors, and an opportunity for fellowship. Please plan to attend on the Wednesdays during Lent. The doors open at 11:45 and the schedule follows: March 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Looking Ahead to April…
Mark your calendars to attend the Maundy Thursday service on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Luke and Good Friday service on April 3 at 6:00 p.m. at First UMC.

Easter Service: We will not have an Easter Sunrise Service this year, but we hope you will join us at 10:30 a.m. on April 5 for our traditional Easter worship. During the service, we will take part in a meaningful tradition as we transform a mesh cross with fresh flowers. Everyone will be invited to come forward to the altar and help with the transformation. We will have flowers available, but if you have blooms in your yard or garden, please feel free to bring them to share.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES

Your whole family can share in a service opportunity on Sunday, March 22, at 3:00 p.m. at First UMC. We are joining with our sister church for a Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event. Together we will pack 20,000 meals in just two hours. Whether you are members of St. Luke, of First UMC, of another church, or of no church, everyone is invited to come and participate. All that is required is a wish to help people across the world receive a nutritious meal—eliminating hunger one meal at a time. If you are a student and in need of volunteer hours, this time definitely qualifies.

Kitchen helpers are needed for the Lenten Lunch on March 18, when St. Luke will provide the meal. Please contact Kay Daves to see how you might help.

St Luke will provide a meal for the DSU Wesley Students on Wednesday, March 25. If you can help serve or help with a dessert, please contact Kay Daves.

March Mission Focus — UMCOR: During the month of March, we will highlight the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) as our mission opportunity. Gifts given to UMCOR play a vital role in strengthening the church’s global humanitarian response, as these contributions support UMCOR’s administrative and operational costs. Because of this, 100% of all disaster‑relief donations made throughout the year can go directly to on‑the‑ground recovery efforts. Your generosity truly makes a difference. By investing in UMCOR’s operations, we help ensure that the church can respond quickly and effectively to crises around the world, offering hope and practical assistance to communities facing disaster and hardship. Last year, your faithful giving provided nearly 2 million dollars in support of UMCOR’s work. Every gift—large or small—helps. Donations may be made at any time during the month of March.

We are taking orders for Virtual Easter Lilies. All donations will support the Delta Children’s Advocacy Center. If you would like to give a gift of $10 per virtual lily in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special in your life, please fill out an order form located in the narthex or in the church office. Order forms and checks may be placed in the offering plate, dropped off at the church office, or mailed in. The deadline to participate is Palm Sunday, March 29.

Worship Greeters are needed for the month of April and months of June through December! A Greeter is a very important part of welcoming people to our worship service and helps by passing out bulletins, helping people in and out of cars (when needed), directing visitors to pews or various areas of the church, and helping in other capacities of the service. If you feel called to volunteer and would like to sign up, a signup sheet is available in the narthex or you may sign up by contacting the church office. If you need more info on what all being a greeter entails, please see Bob Card, Mike Gressett, Jim Shempert, or Al Williams.

Don’t forget that on the second Sunday of every month we collect bags of apples, jars of peanut butter, and also canned goods for the Helping Hands Ministry. A blue bin designated for Helping Hands is available in the narthex where you can place your food items.

The second Sunday is also our Dollar Sunday, when you are invited to drop a dollar or two into the small basket in the narthex to help support our Compassion Fund. This fund is used by the pastor at their discretion to help those in need.

The 2026 Flower Calendar is available on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the choir room. If you would like to help provide an altar arrangement sometime during the year, please look over the calendar, choose a date or two, and sign up. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be fresh flowers, it could be a lovely silk arrangement, or even a nice plant. If you sign up for two consecutive Sundays, we have a “flower fridge” where we can store your floral arrangement during the week and re-use them the second Sunday. If ordering fresh flowers from a flower shop, be sure to inform them you would like them to last for two Sundays. Please see Melanie Williams or contact the church office for more info or to sign up.

Lectio Divina Group

Pastor Hannah is offering a lectio divina group for the season of Lent. This group is not your traditional Bible study but will invite you to engage the text through divine listening and reflection. We will also look at poetry, art, and music while we lean into the text each week. While this may be an unfamiliar practice to some of you, I invite you to join us. These are practices you can easily take from our time as a group and incorporate them into your daily routine. Sessions will be on Sundays at 5 (nursery available). Come and join us.

DSU Wesley

More Opportunities to Help

Parks Elementary Partnership

1) PBIS Closet- Parks keeps a closet filled with goodies for students who do well with their positive behavior system. This includes items such as fidget toys, slime, and other small prizes. When the children meet their goals, they are able to shop this closet as a treat and means of positive reinforcement. You may contribute to this cause or purchase items and bring them to the church office.

2) Feminine Hygiene supplies- Parks has an area in the office dedicated to storing feminine hygiene supplies for girls who need them. Specifically, they try to keep a current stock of pads (no tampons please) and girls underwear in all sizes. You may bring these items to the church office as well.

3) Reading with students- Do you like to help students with their reading? If you had 1-2 hours a week to give during school hours, the students at Parks could use your help. Reading with students is a proven way to help raise their AR scores while also providing quality time with these children. If you are interested in this, please let Rev. Hannah know.

Employment Opportunities

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is searching for an employee to fill our Music Director position and would welcome help from the congregation in spreading the word.

As you know, Beverly Jacks has served as interim Director for the past couple of years or so. She does a lovely job and has been happy to serve our church with her gifts, but she would like a break if a suitable person can be found to lead the choir. Previous experience in a church setting is preferred but not required. Salary will be negotiable.

Please share this information with any suitable candidates you know who might be interested in working at St. Luke. Any further questions may be directed to Rev. Hannah or to Lisa in the church office.

The St. Luke Scene

Rose dedicated to the birth of Claudia James Holder, daughter of Cade Holder

Blessing of the Mural

Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper

Art w/Allyson Art Show at the Train Museum

Events in March

March 1, Sunday
— Lectio Divina Group, 5:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) -nursery available

March 2, Monday
— March of the Mayors Box Packing Event, 9:00 a.m.
(Cleveland Fire Station on South St.)

March 4, Wednesday
— Lenten Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. (First UMC)
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)

March 8, Sunday
— Second Sunday Mission for Helping Hands

March 9, Monday
— Children’s Workshop: Art w/Allyson, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Art Room)

March 11, Wednesday
— Lenten Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. (First UMC)

March 15, Sunday
— Finance Meeting, 11:35 a.m. (Fellowship Hall)
— Lectio Divina Group, 5:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) -nursery available

March 18, Wednesday
— Lenten Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. (First UMC) -meal provided by St Luke
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)

March 21, Saturday
— Central District UWFaith Social Action Event, 9:30 a.m. (First UMC)

March 22, Sunday
— Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event, 3:00 p.m. (First UMC)
— Lectio Divina Group, 5:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) -nursery available

March 25, Wednesday
— Lenten Lunch, 11:45 a.m. (First UMC)
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)
— Trustees Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)
— Provide Meal for DSU Wesley, 6:00 p.m. (Wesley Foundation)

March 29, Saturday
— Palm Sunday Crockpot Cook-Off, 11:35 a.m.
— Easter Egg Hunt, following Cook-Off (Fellowship Hall)

Events in April

April 1, Wedneday
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)

April 2, Thursday
— Maundy Thursday Service, 6:00 p.m. (St Luke)

April 3, Friday
— Good Friday Service, 6:00 p.m. (First UMC)

April 5, Sunday
— Easter Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

April 6, Monday
— Church Office Closed for Easter Monday

April 7, Tuesday
— UWFaith Grace Circle, 10:00 a.m. (Church Library)

April 8, Wednesday
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)

April 12, Sunday
— Holy Humor Breakfast Church, 10:30 a.m. (Fellowship Hall)

Memorials and Honorariums

By:
Kay Daves; Jackie Pennington; Jim & Frances Tims; Al & Melanie Williams

By:

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Newsletter Blog

March 2026

March 5, 2026St. Luke United Methodist Church

Message from the Pastor

Lectionary Readings for March