New Rochelle United Methodist Church

Technical difficulties prevented us from going live today. Here is the word that was delivered by Rev. Dorlimar Lebrón Malavé, Pastor of The People's Church, First Spanish UMC, Harlem.

4.25.2021 Sermonic Selection

good morning and God bless thank you for coming

Thank you for joining us!

Save the Date! April 25th at 4PM A Virtual Visit and Discussion with Isabel Wilkerson author of the critically acclaimed book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents... visit https://caste.eventbrite.com to register! Copies of CASTE are available via your local library. Place a hold via the Westchester Library System’s online catalog or download the ebook via Overdrive. Contact your local library for assistance.

"HE IS NOT HERE, HE HAS RISEN" Luke 24:6-7

Passion Week Reflection- Maundy/Holy Thursday We all know the scene, Jesus is at the table with the apostles enjoying their final Passover meal together. This is also the last time that Jesus (not the risen Savior) would be able to impart some wisdom to them. This was the last time that he would have to remind them about why he came and what their call to follow him required. The table was set, they were being empowered in order to be prepared for the future life of spreadin...g the Gospel and all that would come with it. He didn't paint a pretty scene. He identified the betrayer amongst them. He let them know that they were going to live a life being servant leaders. He let them know that they would be fearful for their lives (and that they had ever reason to be). It is at the table, that they learned perhaps one of the most important things....although there will be times in which it Satan will try to deter them from their call...Jesus had already prayed for them...and that they were covered. Jesus had dinner that night. The dinner that celebrates the covering and protection of God. A protection and covering that has been extended to us by Jesus' crucifixion. Today celebrate the love of God that provides protection and covering.

Passion Week Reflections-Wednesday The scriptures are silent regarding what Jesus was doing on this holy Wednesday. We can imagine that he continued to sit in the temple courts teaching and preaching about the promises of God. He might have even been telling all who had ears to listen, that in just 2 more days he was going to fulfill the scriptures and they would be part of those who will call for death.... We can also imagine, that Jesus is taking on the leadership who will seize the first opportunity they will get to shut him up. They would have wanted him to keep quiet because Jesus had not shied away from reminding them of their willful neglect of God's people. How they had failed the widows, the orphans, the people who were ill, or simply deemed not worthy..... While we do not have the specifics of what Jesus did on the Wednesday of passion week.... What we do know, is that Jesus was consistent. Therefore, we do know that Jesus stayed true to the journey and his call. That's all God asks of you- Stay consistent and true to God's call.

Passion Week Reflections- Tuesday Scripture tells us that after Jesus cleaned the temple of those who were attempting to put a price on worship, He began to teach in the temple courts (Lk 20:1). This was a bold and audacious move on Jesus' part. As far as the chief priest and teacher were concerned, this was their territory. Who did Jesus think he was? In fact they ask him "Who gave you this authority?" (Lk 20:2) Jesus doesn't have time for their questions or their foolish...ness. He is in the last days of his ministry on earth. There is still much to share with the believers. Those who wanted him dead was going to have to figure out what they needed to do...because Jesus was real sure about what he had come to do. He was taking full advantage of the large gathering of worshipers, to spread the word about the God given responsibility that we have to care for each other. The God given responsibility to dare to use the "talents" we have been entrusted with to "invest" them wisely and to make them grow. Jesus was on a mission...Let's join him...Let's dare to claim the authority given by God to be not just hearers of the word but more importantly doers.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The REGISTRATION DEADLINE for NYAC Metropolitan District Lay Servant School has been EXTENDED to Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Spread the word and register: https://bit.ly/3l6dmd8 Remember to also sign up for the Anti-Racism session on April 17 here: https://bit.ly/3cwm5CH