The UMC of Apache

03/26/2022

Beautiful day as we gather together for grief retreat.

03/26/2022

Join us at 11am as we give thanks and praise our Creator for a beautiful spring day!

03/26/2022

Due to electrical problems, worship will be outside tomorrow.

04/01/2021

Meditation for Thursday of Holy Week
Read Matthew 26:26-30

Passover is foundational to the identity of the Jewish people. It is a yearly celebration to remember God's saving activity of rescuing the people from slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt. The people remember who and whose they are as they share the Passover meal. (See Exodus 12:1-14)

It was a meal Jesus and the disciples shared many times. This time however Jesus gave it a new meaning with the words, "... this bread is my body broken for you" and "...this cup is my blood poured out for you". For Christians across the centuries it has become a holy sacrament, foundational to as God's people. Through celebrating Holy Communion, we experience God's grace. We remember God's great love for us and the salvation offered to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We remember who and whose we are in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.

Reflect on this image. Recall a time of celebrating the Lord's Supper that was particularly meaningful for you. When was it? What message do you believe God was sharing with you? How does Holy Communion help you remember who and whose you are?

Prayer for the day:
Gracious God, your Anointed One, on the night before he suffered, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood. Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life. Amen.
(From the United Methodist Hymnal, #283)

03/31/2021

Wednesday meditation for Holy Week
Crown of Thorns
Read: Mark 15:16-20

In the Roman culture, the laurel wreath was placed on Caesar's head as a sign of royalty. For these soldiers, the crown of thorns served this role in their mockery of Jesus as they "crowned" him :King of the Jews." The crown of thorns came to symbolize for Christians the humiliation Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

Reflect on this image. At the time of Jesus, Caesar was considered "King", demanding the complete loyalty and allegiance of the people. We oftentimes call Jesus King and Lord. Yet we do not give him our loyalty and allegiance. When are our priorities not those of Christ? How often do we put our own needs and wants before Christ's call on us to be disciples in the world?

Prayer for the day: Lord, you suffered mocking and humiliation on our behalf. You gave your life that we might receive new life. Help us to know your great love for us. May you truly be Lord of our lives in all we think, feel, say, and do. Amen.

03/30/2021

Tuesday meditation for Holy Week.
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Read: Matthew 26:14-16

Judas was a disciple, one of the twelve who traveled the countryside with Jesus. He heard his preaching and teaching, saw the miracles he performed, and experienced how Jesus interacted with those around him.

Yet at this moment in their relationship, Judas seems to be hearing other voices. The chief priest and elders have been trying to find testimony that would convict Jesus of blasphemy. The political leaders in the city of Jerusalem may have been concerned about an uprising against Rome. Perhaps Judas acted from personal experience and for his own reasons. It appears these voices had become loud enough to lead Judas to betray Jesus with 30 pieces of silver.

Reflect on this image. There are countless voices in the world today that call for our attention. Political. Religious. Social. Personal. Voices that make it difficult to hear the voice of Jesus and follow God's direction for our lives. What are they for you? How do you respond?

Prayer for the day:
O God, you call to us over the noise of the world. Help us to discern your voice from all those other voices that demand our attention. Help us follow you into a life that reflects your light and love in the world. May Christ be our guide for this journey of faith. Amen.

03/29/2021

Meditation for Monday of Holy Week

Towel & Basin

Read John 13:15-17

After a long day of walking the dusty trails through the countryside, Jesus does the unexpected. In this moment, he is no longer leader and teacher. He now becomes a servant. He performs the lowliest of tasks by taking off his robes, bending down and washing the disciples' feet.

This act of humble service has now become an example for us, "...just as I have done, you must also do." Jesus calls us to see the need in others just as he did for the disciples. We are invited not to see through our own eyes, shaded by self-importance, pride, and arrogance. Rather, we are asked to look at the world and those around us through the eyes of God, eyes that reflect love, acceptance, and humility.

Take a moment to reflect on this image. Ask God to open your eyes to the needs of the world around you. What does a life of Christian service look like for you? Where might God be calling you to reach out and show love to your neighbor?

Prayer for the Day:
O Lord, you humbled yourself to wash the feet of the disciples, showing us what it means to love in your name. Help us see others and the world through your eyes. May your servant heart be our servant heart. May we reach out in love and grace. Amen

03/29/2021

For your Lenten journey through Holy Week.

03/14/2021

02/14/2021

More photos!