A note from Pastor Travis 3/16/23

Syracuse University has an orange tree on its campus. You wouldn’t think that a college in one of the snowiest places in New York would have an orange tree, but it does.

Now, it isn’t growing outside, having to survive the very un-tropical Syracuse weather. Rather, it is safe and sound in a building where the temperature is regulated and it is given the care that it needs to grow, prosper, and produce oranges. Not only does Syracuse have an orange tree, it also has a tree that produces 40 different kinds of fruit! Obviously, this tree has been genetically engineered to do this, but, none the less, it sits on campus in front of Hinds Hall, growing a variety of fruit to satisfy whatever your taste is. (I am not sure that they actually let you pick the fruit and eat it, but we have enough Syracuse alumni in our church that I am sure that we can find out).

This article isn’t an advertisement for Syracuse. It is about fruit. Well, it isn’t about real fruit, but metaphorical fruit. The Apostle Paul uses the term “fruit” to describe the spiritual qualities we develop as people of faith. The qualities include being more loving, joyful, peaceful, patience, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, and having more self-control.

We develop these traits as we grow in our faith life. They are blessings which deepen our lives, strengthen others, and enrich the church.

This Sunday we will reflect on the fruits of the Spirit as we examine Paul’s words, “you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

Join us on Sunday. and don’t forget to mark our Holy Week services on your calendar

Holy Week Schedule:

Sunday, April 2 – The Ecumenical Palm Sunday Service

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast at First Baptist Church

9:00 a.m. – Depart down Main Street to Ell Pond Gazebo

9:15 a.m. – Blessing of the Palms Service at the gazebo

9:30 a.m. – Depart from gazebo for our Palm Sunday service

at FUMC!

Thursday, April 6 – 7pm Maundy Thursday Service

Friday April 7 – 7pm Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 9 – Easter Sunday

6:30 a.m. -Sunrise Service at Mt. Hood

9:30 a.m. – Children’s Egg Hunt at church

10:00 a.m. – Easter Service

Invite friends so that they will be blessed too!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Travis