Hampstead United Methodist Church
15395 US Hwy 17 N., Hampstead, NC 28443
Thursday Missive
February 6, 2025
Howdy Friends!
Thanks to everyone who participated in consecration Sunday. If you were there, you know we were able to report a good outcome once the pledges were tallied. So far, expected giving to our general fund plus income from interest and rentals is expected to exceed what we brought in last year. And, so far, 37 people increased their pledge. When the results were read on Sunday, we sang the doxology! Because of your generous support of God’s work through our church, we will be able to continue to have positive impacts beyond our walls into our community making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s
Day, where we celebrate love with chocolates, cards, flowers and other gifts. Yet, what do we really know about the true
story behind the martyr Valentinus, after which this day is named?
Piecing together several legends, here’s what I think I know: three third-century martyrs were all named Valentinus.
One was a priest in Rome, one a bishop of Interamna, and one a Christian in the
Roman province of Africa. I’m going with
the story of Valentinus, the priest, whose story involves soldiering, marriages,
and a cold-hearted emperor, Claudius II.
The emperor was
finding it hard to recruit soldiers for the military. They were required to fight
for at least 25 years, and many young men were unwilling to leave their loved
ones. Therefore, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements. In response,
men and women wanting to marry simply went underground with assistance from the
sympathetic priest Valentinus, who secretly married soldiers to their
betrothed.
Valentinus was eventually caught and sentenced to death for his treason. He was
beaten by clubs and killed on February 14 around the year 269. More than 200
years later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as a day to honor Valentinus’
courageous life, and also serve as a replacement for the Roman pagan holiday of
Lupercalia.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Peace,
Debbie Matthis
910-578-5905