Trail Talk-April 11, 2025

From the Ashes of Longing

Dr. Linda Settles

4/11/25

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of passion week. The word passion translates to suffering. Jesus’ suffering would be on full display. Culminating in the most excruciating suffering of all, crucifixion. And who knew that some of those same people who were lined up to see Him ride into Jerusalem would be the ones calling for His death by the end of the week! They longed for something that Jesus never promised.

What are you longing for? Some are longing for the “good old days.” But no matter the time frame you have in mind, I guarantee you it wasn’t good for everyone. That Golden Age may have been golden for some, but not for all.

Some are longing for MLK. If only he were alive, he would know how to lead us. Or if only JFK were here, he would know what to do. And with every leader who steps up to the plate, we put expectations of perfection on them. But they’re only human, of flesh and blood they’re made.

If only there was someone to lead us out of our misery. To stop our bleeding. To restore justice and fairness to government, prosperity to business, equity in healthcare, reconciliation for our relationships, and peace to this world. If only…

Look! Who’s that coming down the road, riding in on …a donkey? What kind of king rides a dinky little donkey? The only thing donkeys are good for is hauling stuff, pack mules, plow mules, good at bearing burdens. What kind of king?

“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.

Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

John 12:15 (& Zechariah 9:9)

Little did that donkey know that he was carrying precious cargo that day, that what the people longed for was on his back.

If you’ve ever carried a backpack, you know that they can get heavy. Some of us are carrying heavy loads, a backpack of problems, a backpack of hurt, a backpack of heartache. We’re carrying stuff, burdens, and it’s weighing us down. Well, Jesus said to cast your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7), and to take His yoke because it’s easy and light (Matthew 11:29).

The donkey was bearing Jesus on his back. But Jesus was bearing the burdens of the world on His. The Burden Bearer, the King over all other kings, the Lord over all other lords, the One we longed for, was riding down the road. And many didn’t realize it because He didn’t come as they had expected.

The Israelites begged for a king, when it was God who had led them through the wilderness as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night! When Pharaoh’s army chased them, God opened up a highway through the sea and brought them through. When they were hungry, He caused manna to appear, and when they wanted some meat, He rained down quail. Their clothes and shoes didn’t even wear out. And that wasn’t enough? Now they want a king?

And we do the same thing to God today. It was the Lord who was at your bedside when you were bedridden, God brought you through dangers seen and unseen, carried you through this, brought you through that, made a way out of no way, but now you’re looking for another leader?

What are you longing for today? Your King is coming, riding in on a donkey, riding in on your problems. The One we have longed for has come!

Hosanna, blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

John 12:13

I hope you will join me on Sunday as we conclude our Lenten sermon series: From the Ashes. This Sunday marks the last Sunday of Lent. The sermon title: From the Ashes of Longing: The King of Kings. Take heart, Resurrection is right around the corner!

Lenten Offering goes through Easter. If you give on the website, please choose “Other” and write “Lenten Offering” in the memo line. This year, the board has once again designated it for the youth and children’s ministries. This will help ensure that our young people have vibrant ministry so that they, too, become deeply rooted disciples!

Membership Sunday will be this Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 13. If you would like to become a member of Green Trails, this is your day! If you would shoot me an email at drlinda@umcgt.org I will have a certificate ready for you. And even if you decide on the spot, that’s fine too. Prayerfully consider casting your lot with this awesome group of folks who love the Lord!

Easter Lillies and other flowers are on sale. There will be a table in the lobby where you can order yours! See Jane Durell or Lynne Johnson for more information or just stop by the table.

Churchwide Bible Study! Our final week! Who is the Holy Spirit? Let’s talk about it on Wednesday, from 6:30-7:30pm. Whether you’re a long-time disciple or new to the faith, this course is sure to strengthen you on your faith journey! No book is required for purchase. Study guides will be made available. Potluck dinner (optional) will be available from 5:45-6:15pm, or come for class at 6:30p. Let’s pack the MPR, because the church that studies together stays together!

Maggie O’Brien’s was a hit! Over twenty people came out, and the good news is that GT received 20% of the entire restaurant’s sales from 5:00-8:00pm! Over $600 just for getting a bite to eat! To God be the glory!

Women’s Event! Settle for the Best Ministries will be hosting a one-day women’s conference on Saturday, May 17! It will be held here at Green Trails Church from 9am-3pm. Registration details will come shortly, with a special discount for GT women! Save the date, ladies. It’s your time to shine!

Good Friday We’re going to host the 7 Last Words Service again! With 7 preachers, bringing the 7 last utterances of Jesus from the cross. Please join us on April 18 at Noon for some powerful praise and worship!

Vision for 2025:

Deeply Rooted:

Growing Through Discipleship!

Blessings,

Pastor Linda

This Week!

*Sunday, April 13* 9AM-Small Groups Beans and Bags-Room 204 Children's Cafe-Room 206 Youth Group-Room 210 In the Word-Room 108 10AM-Sanctuary Worship From the Ashes of Longing Pastor Linda Settles 1-3PM Eggstravaganza! Come meet our neighbors!	*Tuesday, April 15* 10AM-Multipurpose Room Tai Chi 6PM-Multipurpose Room After Hours Community Band *Wednesday,April 16* 5:45PM-MPR Potluck 6:30PM-MPR WOW! What is a Christian? *Friday, April 18* Good Friday 12PM-Sanctuary Worship 7 Last Words 7 People of God *Saturday, April 19* 8AM-Multipurpose Room Zumba

This Sunday!

Eggstravaganza!

Real Bunnies Easter Bunny

Resurrection Eggs Passport

Photo Booth Crafts

Face Painting Temporary Tattoos

Puppet Show Egg Hunt

Food

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Donations needed:

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Easter Flowers!

Help us beautify the sanctuary and then take your flowers home!

Tulips or Hyacinths $11 per basket

Larger Mixed Plants $14

Annual Conference

June 6-8

St. Charles Convention Center

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WOW is BACK!

Churchwide Bible Study!

Lenten study: What is a Christian?

Potluck at 5:45p, class from 6:30-7:30p

This study is part of RightNow Media's Essentials of Faith series. It answers key questions of the Christian faith such as:

Who is God?

What makes humans unique?

What went wrong?

Who is Jesus?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

What is a Christian?

This study is good for all who believe in Jesus, whether you've been following Him for years or you're new to the faith.

Grow in your discipleship and get deeply rooted with us!

A new challenge for a new year!

Write a verse a day from the Bible. Here is January-click below to print out a copy or use your own notebook!

FROM YOUR BOARD

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