A word from Pastor, Rev. Carl Freeto

March 2024 Pastor’s Message

                     Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Years ago, there was a popular song that had the word, “I can see clearly now...” it
referenced looking forward toward tomorrow. In my life, I am always wondering
what is next. Meanwhile, it is nice when the future begins to look a little clearer.
Our church has known for some time that the pastor will retire in July of 2024.
And the Bishop and church government are preparing to appoint a new pastor to
our church (United Methodist churches and pastors are appointed by a bishop each
year). Carl has been appointed as pastor every year since 2015. And now I will
retire. The question becomes who will be the new pastor? Right now, we do not
know. What we do know is that Cogdell UMC and Lake Shore UMC will share a
new pastor and become sister churches. The two churches met last Friday
(February 23, 2014) and agreed to share budget, leadership teams, ministry, vision
and pastor. This is a new thing. The future looks interesting and bright!
Meanwhile, today we are in prayer for our new pastor as we stay focused on Jesus’
call for our congregation.

Calendar information for March :
Woman’s History month begins on Friday March 1, 2024. It past time for us
to celebrate the history that often is overlooked!
On Sunday the 3rd we will celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Lent and the Gospel
reading from John 2:13-22 and then Carl and Linda Freeto will celebrate
their 55th Anniversary that week as well!
Saturday the 9th we need to remember to “Spring” forward our clocks before
bed as Daylight Savings time begins (Although I still wonder why we do
that!)
Sunday the 10 will be the 4th Lenten Sunday and we will explore John 3:14-21.
Saint Patrick’s Day is the 17th (The 5th Sunday of Lent.)
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 24th (Wave those Palms!)
Maundy Thursday’s communion will be celebrated March 28th at 6PM.
Finally, EASTER Sunday in the very last day of March, the 31st
.

Please keep our new pastor (Arriving the July) in your prayers! Prayer below:
Our Father/Mother God, we pray for Bishop Saenz as he leads our conference
through this challenging time of testing. God, grant him wisdom as You continue
to work through him in his decision making, especially in his appointment of a
new minister for our congregation. And we pray for the pastor whom You will be
sending our way. May he or she have the commitment and talents to lead and may
we prepare ourselves toreceive him or her as they take up the appointment to serve
at Lake Shore. Increase our love as we welcome a new pastor, give us a sense of
excitement as you create new opportunities for ministry, and grant us the joy of
expectation of what God is preparing for us.that looks like Jesus...COME JOIN
US!