“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-11 (MSG
“The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (MSG)
“But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.” Micah 7:7 (MSG)
15,000 White Flags of COVID-19 Display Georgia’s Devastation (Please Note Date Changes)
Church Lawn Open for Prayer and Grieving from Feb, 21-28
During the week of February 21-28, a dramatic arrangement of 15,000 white flags will be displayed on the lawn of First Christian Church of Decatur in memory of those who have died of COVID-19 in Georgia.
This prayerful, artistic expression is a collaborative effort initiated by the American Friend’s Service in collaboration with the Federation of Christian Ministers and First Christian Church of Decatur. Gentle Spirit Christian Church is one of the several area churches participating in this sacred and holy time. On Saturday, February 20 from 10 AM to 12 Noon, representatives from local churches, organizations and friends shall plant flags on the church lawn. Areas are socially distanced and mask wearing is required.
At 3 PM on Sunday, February 21 there will be an opening ceremony.
At 12 Noon and 5 PM each weekday clergy which includes Pastor James and Pastor Paul are available on site for prayer. You are welcome to walk through the display praying for all of the families of those lost as well as the souls of our faithful departed.
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG)
February 17 Marks the Beginning of the Season of Lent
Lent Incorporates 40 Days
for Repentance and Preparation for Easter
The Ashes used to mark the shape of the cross upon our foreheads come from burned palms that were blessed and lifted during previous Palm Sunday services.
Ash Wednesday Service
Ashes & Liturgical Prayers
for At-Home Intinction Will Be Mailed to Anyone Who Requests Them
To request Ashes be mailed directly to you
please send your name and mailing address to:
pastorpaul@gentlespirit.org
by February 6, 2021.
A shared Ash Wednesday Service Liturgy, including the Rite of Ashes and Holy Communion, from First Christian Church of Decatur and Gentle Spirit Christian Church of Atlanta to be available all day on February 17 via Facebook and YouTube.
“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:3-4 (MSG)
“Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.” 1 Corinthians 1:31 (MSG)
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!” Proverbs 31:8-9 (msg)
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7
An independent, affirming and progressive church serving metro Atlanta. We are open, positive and inclusive.
