Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, The Garden Church

Lent begins on March 5.  As we did last year, the Love Your Neighbor/Acts of Kindness Committee suggests instead of “giving up” something, please consider what acts of kindness you can “add’ to this season of Lent.  Love Your Neighbor Committee will have some paper Easter ornaments that you can write acts of kindness that you will commit to doing (examples: Greet people with, “Have a good day” as you walk; give a bag of grace to a homeless person; assist an elderly person with their groceries; pay for a soft drink or a meal for the passengers in a car that is behind you; visit someone who is in assisted living/hospital/home-bound.)  Please participate and hang your written Acts of Kindness on our Easter Branch. 

Here are some Acts of Kindness suggestions:

March 9:  

1. Write a thank you note to someone in your life for all they do.

2. Give a compliment to someone everyday throughout the Lenten season.

3. Share a favorite book with others. Perhaps a book that explores themes of love, kindness, and empathy.

I hate, I reject your festivals;
I don’t enjoy your joyous assemblies.
If you bring me your entirely burned
offerings and gifts of food — I won’t be pleased;
I won’t even look at your offerings of well-fed animals.
Take away the noise of your songs;
I won’t listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an everflowing stream.
— Amos 5: 21-24 (CEB)

Lent is a time of reminding ourselves who we are called to be in this world. Our Lenten series is inspired by Amos, a prophet whose message is that God calls us to let “justice roll down like waters.” Worship without justice is not acceptable, rather our songs must move us to action on behalf of the oppressed. Through the powerful music of Mark Miller and the remembrance of our rituals of baptism (the origins of Lent), this season will offer us reflection and renewed inspiration to let our voices be turned to the heart of the Gospel —proclaiming God’s love for all people. What prejudices are we challenged to “give up” as a Lent practice of abstinence, and further, how are we willing to “give” of ourselves for the sake of the world?

Make Me an Instrument of Peace: Re-Cognition
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Service on March 2, 2025 at 12pm

Child of God: Naming Each One
Week One

How Long: Renouncing Evil
Week Two

I Dream of a Church: Christ’s Representatives
Week Three

I Choose Love: Communities of Forgiveness
Week Four

God Has Work for Us to Do: Faithful Disciples
Week Five

The Day Is Coming: We Are One
Week Six

Traveling Companions: Journey to the Water
Holy Week Vigil

Welcome: The New Jerusalem
Easter Sunday

Join George Connor and Mary Nakamura, who perform as Asian Pair, for an afternoon of live acoustic guitar and vocal selections of classic standards and contemporary singer/songwriter material. It’s free to attend and donations will benefit Rise Against Hunger.

Rise Against Hunger packing event is March 30th at 1pm.
For Registration: Click Here

Wednesdays 10:30 am – noon
January 15 – March 5

The Gospel of John begins by announcing that God’s Word, which brought all things into being, became flesh in Jesus of Nazareth. During his ministry, Jesus reveals the power of God by performing seven miraculous signs, including turning water into wine, healing the sick, and raising the dead. In his preaching he identifies himself as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the good shepherd. 

I hope that you will be able to join us for a study on John. For more information and Zoom meeting code contact Elaine at elainedeatherage@mac.com.