Author Archives: CentralUMC

A Message from Pastor Jihoon Lee

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

As we step into March, the weather has considerably softened. Reflecting back on the snowstorms of January, it’s been quite some time since I’ve witnessed such heavy snowfall. Despite the chill of winter, there was a certain charm in savoring the snow-clad scenery while enjoying a cup of hot tea by the fireplace. Each time I gazed upon the white landscape, a verse from Isaiah often came to mind: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

As we approach this year’s Lenten season, I urge you to contemplate the path that the Lord Jesus undertook to cleanse our sins as white as snow. Lent, a forty-day period leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays), commences on Ash Wednesday. Many choose to fast during Lent, relinquishing certain foods or forms of entertainment as a way to unite with Christ’s suffering for us. If you’ve never done so before, I encourage you to consider participating in a Lenten fast this year.

However, should you choose to give something up for Lent, remember that it’s not solely about the sacrifice you make. It’s a time to reflect on the priceless sacrifice Jesus made for us. Fasting isn’t a means of “repaying” God for His gift, as we could never repay the infinite cost of Jesus’ blood. Rather, it’s an expression of love and gratitude for the gift we’ve freely received through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Recently, I’ve delved back into the book of Samuel. Within its pages, I find a captivating narrative brimming with hope, valor, giants, servants, and kings. It chronicles the ascent of Israel’s first and greatest kings, replete with triumphant victories and tragic
missteps. Yet amidst it all, we encounter a God who never forsakes His people. Even amidst profound darkness, God raises up servants to illuminate His truth and guide His people once more.

Above all, I’m reminded of our Savior through the rise and anointing of King David. David, in many respects, is regarded as Israel’s greatest king. Yet, as remarkable as his triumphs were, his life was marked by failures and sins that reverberated through future generations. His life stands as a testament to God’s grace, illustrating how God elevated a humble shepherd boy to kingship. Yet, his life is also a pointer for us, giving us a shadow of the greater David and the ultimate King of Israel who would come one day and rule in justice and righteousness forever. David’s life points us to the Son of David who would also be the Son of God – Jesus Christ.

This month, we celebrate Him—the King who came to rescue the world. That King will rise again from failure and suffering on the cross. He will emerge victorious, and in His victory, we’ll witness glory.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Jihoon Lee

Join us in Welcoming our New Pastor

Pastor Jihoon Lee

March 31, 2024 Bulletin

Click below for the March 31st Bulletin

March 31, 2024

You can now donate online!

Please click below to be redirected to our online donation page.

Make an online payment

How to use Vanco Online to make my donation

 

Chimes Newsletter

Click the link below for the monthly Chimes newsletters.

March 2024 Chimes

February 2024 Chimes

January 2024 Chimes

December 2023 Chimes

November 2023 Chimes

October 2023 Chimes

September 2023 Chimes

August 2023 Chimes

 

Service Times:

Central United Methodist Church holds services Sundays at:

  • 9:30 AM Worship Service
  • 10:30 AM Sunday School Hour (September - May)