March 2026 Greetings from the Lay Leader's Corner.
Welcome, March, a pivotal month of the year. We are turning from short days to longer days and Winter to Spring all the while continuing our journey through Lent. As there is more daylight, we tend to get more active and perhaps seem to have more energy to get things done. As that Spring cleaning time of year approaches, we look forward to more 'warm' days when 40's and 50's feel like a heat wave and the snowbanks shrink as the days go by. We also look forward to green grass and the first Robins of the year. Ash Wednesday is behind us, and Easter is on the horizon, but we still have time for contemplation and reflection to prepare ourselves.
As I asked last month, what could you start doing or increase doing to better prepare you spiritually for Easter? Especially if that something could continue beyond Easter to change the rest of your life and the lives of those around you. Here is one more opportunity. The theme of this year's Annual Conference is “Love Boldly” and will focus on forming United Methodist identity – what sets us apart from other Christians and gives us our unique voice. Bishop Bard has requested that each congregation prepare for AC and the year ahead by participating in a study entitled “Knowing Who We Are”, starting during Lent. The study is subtitled “The Wesleyan Way of Grace, what we believe, what we do, and why.” Laceye C. Warner writes it. The study will be offered at RCUMC in six class sessions, starting in the middle of March and concluding by the beginning of May. We will be utilizing a study guide, videos, and discussion in small groups. The dates and times will be determined by those participating in the study. Please contact me if you are interested.
We have been given the commission to 'make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world'. What better opportunity to 'lean in' to that commission than during this time of Lent and a study of what we believe, what we do, and why. Getting more involved in the various activities at RCUMC may be a start. But God gives each of us numerous possibilities everywhere in our lives to serve him by serving others in his name. Look around, use that springtime energy to exercise those muscles (physical and spiritual) that may have been dormant for a while. Easter is on the horizon, and the rest of your life lies beyond. Prepare yourself.
Peace be with you,
Your lay leader,
Timothy Locker, Sr.
February 2026 Greetings from the Lay Leader's Corner!
Well, January is finally over, and all that January cold is behind us. Any good politician will guarantee that February will have fewer cold days (at least three) and by the end of the month, there will be about an hour and a half more daylight each day. For the first two weeks of the month, the church will still be in “Ordinary Time”. The 18th is Ash Wednesday, which will usher in Lent, forty days of preparation, through self reflection and study, concerning the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Though Lent is a time of preparation, our preparation for the journey of Lent needs to start before Lent. Remember, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. How often have we talked about what we were going to “give up” for Lent, never to get beyond the talking or never follow through, even if we start with good intentions? Besides, Lent is much more than “giving up something”. In fact, the first step in our preparations this year should be “giving up” any weary expectations or preconceived ideas of what Lent should be. Instead, concentrate on what it can be. It can be a time of renewal and reawakening. It can be a time for learning and growing. It can be a time of growing closer to God and discerning God's will for you.
Here is a thought: consider an everyday activity you already do, such as cleaning up around the house, cooking a meal, or any number of daily tasks that you accomplish more or less on “cruise control”. Now, add to that routine a prayer. It can be just something on your mind you want to share with God, or a favorite prayer that you repeat over and over. But do it with intention, do it with feeling, do it as if someone’s life depended on it. Or what if, before starting one of those tasks, first pick up a bible, open it up randomly, and read a verse, any verse. Do it until there is a verse that speaks to you. It probably won't take long. Now let that verse play in your head as you perform your daily task(s). Whatever you “add” to your task, when the task is completed, take some time to be still and listen. God speaks in the quiet moments. Would forty days of that change you? When you change, the world changes.
Now consider what you are going to “add” to your life starting February 18th, Ash Wednesday. From when this newsletter is published until then is just two weeks or so. Now start planning and be ready when the ashes leave their mark. February may be the shortest month of the year, but this year, it could go a long way to being the change this world needs.
Grace and Peace be with you,
Your lay leader,
Timothy Locker, Sr.