On Being Salty
Why are Christians so often seen as the bland, boring, sticks-in-the-mud? Why is our reputation more often for being “against things” than for things?
This state of affairs stands in direct contrast to Jesus’ declaration: “You are the salt of the earth.” This teaching makes plain that the church is meant to bring flavor to life, to augment people’s experience of it, the way that even a pinch of salt can do to any recipe.
Jesus warns us that when we lose our saltiness, we lose our usefulness. Absent alchemy, salt doesn’t really lose its saltiness, unless it gets diluted with too many other things. When our Christian faith gets diluted with doctrinal disputes, sectarian infighting, argumentation and disputation, and all manner of side issues beyond the central message of the gospel—love—then we lose our saltiness and we’re no good to anyone.
When we focus on Jesus’ central message of love for all people that we find that we can inject flavor into other people’s lives. We can augment their experience with messages of hope, grace, justice, and love. We can truly be the salt of the earth.
Rev. Mark Schaefer, Pastor
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Ecclesiastica
SUNDAY’S WORSHIP SERVICES
Thanks to everyone who participated in worship services Sunday. Thanks to Jeff Griffith for leading us in worship and for reading our scripture lessons, and to Chiara and the Choir for providing our beautiful music.
Sermon: “Salt and Light,” Rev. Mark Schaefer
Sunday’s attendance: 43
Collection: $ 1,181.50
NEXT SUNDAY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 16, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
Sermon: “A Higher Standard,” Rev. Mark Schaefer
Scripture Lessons: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Matthew 5:21-37
Want to help out in worship? Use our online sign-up to be a greeter, usher, liturgist, lector, or communion server.
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Community Events & Information
PASTOR’S WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Cheltenham UMC
Rev. Schaefer continues the weekly Bible study this week and every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. We will be doing a deeper dive into the lectionary texts used on Sunday during worship. Everyone is welcome to attend. No prior experience required!
Contact: Rev. Mark Schaefer, cumcpastormark@gmail.com
PASTOR’S “OFFICE” HOURS—MAIN STREET COFFEE & TREATS
Wednesday, February 12, 2–4 p.m.
Rev. Schaefer’s “office” hours in the community this week will be Wednesday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Main Street Coffee & Treats in Upper Marlboro (14708 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Feel free to stop on by!
Contact: Rev. Mark Schaefer, cumcpastormark@gmail.com
COMING SOON: LENTEN SERMON SERIES
“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS”
 March 1–April 12, 2020
When you’re in the wilderness of want, fear, despair, tragedy, death and loss, or betrayal—where is God then? Beginning next month, we will be embarking on a Lenten Sermon series exploring the experience of journeying through the wildernesses of our lives.
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