Ready, Willing, Called … and Needing Jesus!

Greetings on this Palm Sunday!

Although we in Colorado are suffering from a dangerously dry winter, Springtime feelings still fill me with anticipation. New life. New hope. New joys. A season of awakening! My senses are heightened to light, color, beauty, nature, and friendship. So, so thankful!

What??

Well, I wrote the first and last paragraphs of this newsletter before 7:15 this morning, and then I got a text from a local pastor asking if I could preach at his church today! He had been very sick all night and just couldn’t risk going to church. So, my morning turned into a whirlwind of preparation, sermon writing, and a 35-minute drive! I’m incredibly honored to be invited and trusted with the opportunity to spontaneously fill in at the beginning of this holy week. It went well (the sermon was actually pretty good — hahah!) and I was well-received by an encouraging group of Jesus followers. I like my job 😊

March … Check ✓

I checked some major things off my to-do list this month ~ what a relief! Taxes (personal and GWO), transitioning to a new bookkeeper, preparation for all-things-Europe for a trip next month (The Netherlands, England, and France — yippee!!!), weekly women’s Bible studies, two seminars (Worship and The Word), the completion of a NEW Bible study workbook called Worship Explorations, and meetings with ministry leaders. Additionally, I accepted an invitation to return as a volunteer chaplain at the YMCA Conference Center in Estes Park, Colorado again this summer (come visit me!) AND I’ve been invited back to Friends in Faith Community Church in Carpenter, Wyoming for their Sunday services where I’ll be teaching about prayer.

Grief and Loss Seminar

Speaking of the church in Carpenter, I’ll be offering a Grief and Loss Seminar on Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Grief comes in many forms — the loss of a loved one, health struggles, broken relationships, job loss, and other life-changes that leave our hearts hurting. This seminar is for anyone walking through loss of any kind. It will be a safe, Christ-centered space to find comfort, encouragement, and hope. There will be no expectation to speak or share — you are welcome to simply come, sit, and receive. If you or someone you know needs support, we would love to have you join us.

A New Bible Study!

Writing Worship Explorations was a delightful challenge! I had a short window of time to prepare something to put into the hands of the attendees at the Worship Seminar. Fortunately, a good friend and graphic designer had time available, as well, so we went to work. I’ve studied and taught about worship for 50+ years, so I had a lot of material to choose from. I finally decided to try writing it as if I were teaching at a YWAM School of Worship! It’s very interactive and engaging, and the design and format is inviting. I really like it! If you’d like to order a copy, you can do so on the books page. I’d love to share it with you!

Prayer in April

Would you please join me in prayer about a few things in April? I’d so appreciate it!

• Safety and rich connections with missionaries when I travel to Europe.
• Wisdom ~ I have some big decisions to make and I need clear discernment.
• Open doors to teach the Word, debrief and disciple ministry leaders, and distribute my books.
• Specifically, ask the Lord for two new financial supporters in April. That will put GWO on firmer ground for continuing to be available for ministry.

On this Palm Sunday, Lord Jesus, when we celebrate with anticipation Your triumph over sin and death, help us to realize that the story, the drama, the excitement of this week all exist to show us how much God loves us and the extent to which He will go to unite Himself to the human condition. In this knowledge we rejoice because all things will end well; we are people of the resurrection! In the Name of the same Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Until next time, Mary Jean :)

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Ways to partner: Give online at getthewordout.cc/give · Venmo: @Mary Jean Powers / Get the Word Out · By check: Get the Word Out, 4210 Vulcan Creek Dr. Unit 208, Loveland, CO 80538.