I am embarrassed to say I forgot to include a thank you in the January newsletter for your
generosity of gifts at Christmas. So, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU now to everyone. I used
the monies to pamper myself. I’m not always good at taking care of me, I automatically default
to taking care of others. This time, I did! Again, thank you.

Reflections…
We started out our new year with having a Happy Birthday Jesus party during our monthly
potluck dinner. Thanks to everyone who was able to bring food to be used at the food bank.
Every item counts! We also had the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority participate too.
They brought in enough bags to completely fill up 2 entire tables! Their generosity is so
appreciated. On our behalf, Vicki is sending out a thank you card to them.

Upcoming Events…
HOPE reSTOREd begins serving the community again on February 4th from 4-6 pm. The store
is open the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, they meet
at 10 am to sort, organize, and stock to get it ready for the community. Volunteers are greatly
needed for this ministry. Please reach out to Kathy E. at 707-695-0938. Your help matters!

I was asked to speak at the Interfaith Women’s Conference being held on February 7th at
700 N. Heatherwilde in Pflugerville. All women are invited, the event is free, and lunch will be
served. It starts at 11:30 am and goes till 2:30 pm. I would like to see some of our ladies attend.
Please talk to me if you are interested in participating or if you have further questions.

Anna and Chuck are going to host another Pancake Dinner on February 17th from 6-7 pm in
the fellowship hall. This event is going to be a fundraiser for Nixon’s trip. If you are able, you are
invited to make a donation towards his expenses. Anna and Chuck will need a headcount to
know how much food to make. Please let us know if you can attend.

Ash Wednesday is February 18th this year. We will have a service beginning at 6 pm that
night. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, calling all believers to a 40-day period of
reflection, repentance, and preparation for Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection. During the Ash
Wednesday service, you will receive blessed ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross.
This visible sign reminds us of our need for God’s mercy, a sign of repentance and God’s
promise to make us new again. Please come and prepare yourself for this special Church
Season.

Scripture…
The Scripture for the month of February is: Psalm 51:10
God, create a pure heart in me.
Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you.

This verse expresses the essence of Lent—a longing for purification and renewal. David’s
prayer for a clean heart mirrors the spiritual renewal that Lent invites us to pursue. Sin corrupts our hearts, but through sincere repentance, God restores us. The words “a new spirit”
emphasize the need for ongoing transformation, not just temporary change. Lent provides an
opportunity to examine our hearts, confess our shortcomings, and allow God to cleanse and
strengthen us for a closer walk with Him.

Here is the list of verses for February:
Feb. 1 – Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12
Feb. 8 – Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Matthew 5:13-20
Feb. 15 – Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration
Sunday)
Feb. 18 – Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
(This is for Ash Wednesday.)
Feb. 22 – Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 (First
Sunday of Lent)

Birthdays…
Our February birthdays are:

Ida – 11 th Thomas – 22nd
Please make sure to share birthday greetings with them!

Let us begin our Lenten journey with open hearts to prepare ourselves for God’s cleansing and
the beautiful gift of Easter morn on April 5th. AMEN.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Joyce Ann
Mark your calendar – Feb. 25 th - for the Annual Meals with Manor Chili Cook-
off

Win Prizes for 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd place
And bragging rights!!!

To enter the MUMC Chili cook off, sign up by Sunday, February 22.
Church members and attendees are eligible to enter.
Contestants must bring a large crock pot of chili to the Fellowship Hall
by 5:30 pm, Wednesday, February 25. Judging will begin at 5:30. Don’t be late!
An impartial panel of judges will be appointed.
After the judging, contestant’s chili will be served to the community
at the February Meals with Manor event from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Questions: Contact Jewell Stremler at [email protected]
Or 512-293-1968.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Joyce Ann