The UMW will not meet on 3/15/2020. We handled most business at the last meeting. So in lieu of meeting, please use this meditation that would have been shared at the 3/15/2020 meeting.
UMW Bible Study
At our last meeting in February we shared that the foundation for welcoming started with God in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. As we continue to think about having a spirit of welcome,
Read John 13:1-20.
Meditation:
Jesus knew that the hour was coming when he would give the ultimate sacrifice for everyone-for those who believed as well as those who did not. Here he was with the disciples in the upper room. Once again as demonstrated throughout his ministry, Jesus led the way by doing something that wen against the status quo. By turning assumptions upside down, by living out his call to show that love is always the best gift to another, Jesus led with a teachable moment.
Jesus, through washing his disciples’ feet, extended radical welcome and hospitality. This was a role expected of a servant or slave, not from a person of high regard. Jesus humbled himself by takin on the role of servant. Scripture shares what he did at the table.
The scripture names Peter as the only disciple to express discomfort with Jesus actions; although, with some coaching from Jesus he welcomes Jesus’ humility and love. After Jesus washes everyone’s feet, he explains the significance of his action and challenges them to follow his example of servant leadership and wash one another’s feet.
Questions to consider
Have you ever extended radical hospitality by washing another’s feet? Have you received radial hospitality as someone washed your feet?
These acts could be either literal or spiritual.
Jesus has given us the example. We must be willing to let down our guard, gather our towels and basins and lead by putting aside practices that have no relevance for the others in our community. Jesus’ way created a movement. We are invited to wash one another’s feet and continue a movement of faithful women transforming the world, one woman, one child and one youth at a time.
Prayer
Almighty God, you welcome us just as we are and invite us in to your kin-dom of justice, hope, and love. You promise never to forsake us as we journey thought life’s ups and downs, as we seek to be transformed more into your image and to love one another as Jesus commended. Help us to be women of faith, trusting and believing that we are to be agents of radical welcome and hospitality to women whose interest, passion, and life experience may be different from or the same as our own. All are welcome in your kin-dom. By and through your Holy Spirit, help us to love one another as you commanded. Amen.
Prayer Calendar
At each of our meetings we lift up UMW missions in prayer. The prayer focus for 3/15 is Chile. El Vergel Methodist Agricultural School Construction. They are building new classrooms and a dining hall for a 90 year old school.
Also we pray for Osias Secura Guzman who is in Mission in the Philippines. She is celebrating her birthday on 3/15.