Thursday, April 21, 2011

Holy Week News

Dear People of God,

 

The mysteries and powerful wonders of God that we mark and celebrate over these next four days changed the world forever. We offer worship on all four days in the hopes that as you participate in worship – in the prayers, and singing, and Sacrament of Holy Communion, and in the retelling of these sacred stories – your lives may be changed forever as well. As you read over the schedule below, plan to join us!

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

            Maundy Thursday (6:30 p.m., @ Our Savior)

            We celebrate God's gift of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, along with offering prayers and

            anointing for healing.

 

Good Friday (6:30 p.m., @ St. Paul's, Wayne Ave.)

We hear the story of Jesus' Passion – arrest, trial, torture, crucifixion and burial – as recorded in Scripture, through the "Stations of the Cross".

 

            Holy Saturday (5:30 p.m., @ Our Savior)

            We gather in the chapel for prayer (sung, spoken and silent), asking God to send peace and

            healing to the world. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

 

Celebration of the Resurrection! (8:15 and 10:30 a.m., @ Our Savior)

Let our "alleluias" lift to the skies as we praise God for new life! This day is why our lives have meaning; it is the source of all hope and new life in the world. Kid's Church will take a break this day so that our families can be together.

 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Palm Sunday and Holy Week

Dear People of God,

   This weekend the church marks the start of the holiest week in the church year with the commemoration of "Palm Sunday". And as much as history has tried to romanticize Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Scripture reveals that it was a calculated, well-planned public demonstration designed to unveil the true King: not Caesar, not Herod, but God, the champion of justice and mercy. In his actions during the last week of his earthly life, Jesus acts and speaks out of a sense of calling – he can do no other – without obsessing over the consequences. In his writings, Paul calls us to be imitators of the one who enters Jerusalem – not to die on a cross, but to have the courage to pursue justice and mercy in the face of pain and evil, regardless of the consequences. Are you up to it? I hope and pray that you are!

   In Christ's peace,

            Gary

 

New Members

We will receive new members into our fellowship this weekend during worship on Saturday evening and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A reception will follow both services for you to greet our newest members.

 

Palms

Palm fronds will be handed out at all three services, and a special processional will begin the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children are asked to gather in the narthex immediately after Sunday School, at 10:15 a.m.

 

Holy Week Schedule

 

Tuesday, April 19, 6:00 p.m. – The Lutheran Course, at St. Paul (Wayne Ave.). Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., followed by our discussion at 6:45 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. – Maundy Thursday Worship, at Our Savior, featuring prayers and anointing for healing, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

 

Friday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. – Good Friday Worship, at St. Paul (Wayne Ave.), featuring the "stations of the cross".

 

Saturday, April 23, 5:30 p.m. – Prayer Service in the chapel, featuring spoken, sung and silent prayers, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

 

Sunday, April 24, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Celebration of the Resurrection! Let your "Alleluias" rise to the rafters!

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 16, 2:00 p.m. at the church, featuring The Hunt, along with games, face painting, activities and crafts, and CANDY!!!

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Mid-week Lenten Opportunities

Dear People of God,

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13, we have more opportunities for learning and worship during this season of Lent:

            1. Bible Study – "The Psalms of Lent", 12:00 noon in the parish house meeting room. This week we will look at Psalm 31:9-16. Bring your lunch.

 

            2. Lenten Dinner/Worship – St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wayne Ave.):

                        5:45 p.m. – light dinner in the upstairs fellowship hall

                        6:30 p.m. – worship in the sanctuary

                We conclude our thematic discussion of the values of Jesus, drawn from Philip Gulley's book, If the Church Were Christian; this week, the discussion topic is: "paying more attention to this life than the afterlife".

 

I hope you can make time in your schedule to participate in one or both of these ministry opportunities.

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary