Matthew 17:1-9

As we gathered this morning for the Saturday worship service, people were present from all walks of life. The world will not consider some of them to make much difference .Many have nothing of financial worth to contribute. Some are convicted felons. Some are addicts. Some are ostracized from family and home.

Some smell of urine and weed. Some need showers in the worse way. Some carry everything they own on their back while some barely have a shirt on their back. Some ride bikes, some walk, others drive the best cars money can buy. Some slept outside while others had the best of comfort. Others are professional people. Today there was an attorney, several retired nurses, a college instructor, various retired and actively employed folk. Several young folk, the most talented musicians, and teachers.

I’ve discovered the place of dreams. Where tests become testimonies and messes are turned into messages of hope. People of every gender, race and lifestyle are welcome to love Jesus and take their rightful place at the Father’s table. It’s not perfect because humans aren’t perfect. But as David sang, “ He’s still working on me.” It’s taken a lifetime, I’ve found God’s kingdom in splendor. I won’t back up or step down. I won’t rest until God’s kingdom fully comes and the Glory of the Lord covers the earth as waters cover the sea. I’m blessed. It’s a wonderful birthday.

Spring is really in the air. Early daffodils and robins have suddenly appeared. The little peepers (frogs) are beginning to be heard. The sun is warmer even though nights are still frosty and sometimes downright cold. But seasons are changing right in time for Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Recently I posted a pic of two hundred dollars given to me by a homeless member of our congregation. She is regularly in and out of a psychiatric hospitals. She gets a fairly decent check that usually covers a monthly rate at a low budget motel. During less difficult days she does her best to make positive choices that affect daily life. A few months ago she told me her desire to give back to Shades. I usually just fold the money and place it in a safe spot at my office. After service Saturday morning she told me it was really cold sleeping outside. She is by definition a senior citizen.

I returned her two hundred dollar gift and she was able to get through this weekend’s dip in temps. I say this to encourage faithfulness in stewardship. Your investment always returns as a blessing. A few years ago she told me during moments of clarity that she had purchased a small life insurance policy. Her words were, “ Mr Shewey, I have made you the beneficiary because when my time comes I know you will do the right thing .” She said if there’s anything left over after cremation , it goes to Shades because that’s all the family (she has.)”

As Uzoma speaks of Nigeria, we celebrate over two years of Shades International. Uzoma is a tremendous inspiration and liaison to Shades of Grace International in Nigeria. We are grateful that our paths have crossed as we serve together in this faith journey and our connection continues.

Please share this on the pages of your TriCities friends and share this ministry.

You are invited to worship at the only United Methodist congregation in our area that meets exclusively on Saturday mornings. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. at 313 E Sullivan Street in Kingsport. Shades of Grace is a storefront house of worship where ALL people are welcome and casual dress is ALWAYS acceptable.

“Shades” began in October, 2014 as a new church start of Holston Conference. Due to the nature of ministry with the least of these, there is no membership available. Anyone who claims a place here is accepted and given opportunities to be fully included in ministry. We offer sacrament of holy communion and baptism upon profession of faith. Worship is non traditional in many ways, but solidly grounded in Wesleyan theology. We offer some of the very best music and worship to be found anywhere.

The ministry is active Monday through Saturdays every week, and closed on Sundays. We feed hundreds of meals to our community friends who are homeless and in need each week and provide hot showers for men and women. We furnish a clothing closet. We provide many funerals for homeless unclaimed in partnership with a local funeral home and Immanuel Lutheran Church.

It doesn’t matter where you live, who you love, car you drive (or not), live in a house or cardboard box, attire, piercings or tattoos. God loves ALL.
As Oscar often says, “ Pray for all who deal with addiction and depression. The world needs a lot more love. So, let it go; let it go.”

Challenging all to exercise . . . 44.20 miles, 6.3 miles daily this week. Keeping up my steps. Staying healthy as possible.. – Let’s get it done! Keep moving.

May eternal flames of the CHRIST candle continue to light our path as we walk each other home. My prayer is that not one of God’s little ones will ever be made to stumble because of my sincere efforts to fully follow the LORD. Thy will be done, LORD!

You can now listen to Shades of Grace on the Radio – FM 92.1

Recovery at Shades: Recovery meeting for ALL on Monday at 5:00 p.m. at 313 E. Sullivan St. Meetings will continue each Monday. Led by our Shades of Grace folk.