Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The events of Passion Week changed the world forever. It began with the entrance of the humble King into Jerusalem and concluded with his death on a cross outside the walls of the city and his burial in a newly hewn tomb. On that cross “the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6). But death could not defeat him. Jesus dealt the final blow to death itself through his resurrection on the first day of the week. He is the suffering Servant who has become the resurrected King! “He is not here, but has risen,” the angels announce to the women at the empty tomb (Luke 24:6). This Sunday our sermon text will be the resurrection narrative from Luke 24:1-12. I am eagerly anticipating gathering together this Sunday to worship our risen and reigning Savior.
A few things to keep in mind this week:
Good Friday Service (April 2; 6:30pm)
This Friday we will hold a service of Scripture readings, music, and reflection as we worship our Lord and Savior who gave himself for us as the sacrifice for our sins upon a cross. The service will begin at 6:30pm in the Worship Center.
To access the Good Friday service livestream, click here.
Easter Sunday Service (April 4; 9:30am)
Praise God that we are able once again to meet together for one morning worship service beginning this Sunday. Our service will begin at 9:30am with a 50-person capacity in the Worship Center and overflow seating in the narthex and Mission Center.
To access the livestream Easter Sunday service, click here.
Our seating arrangement in the Worship Center has been modified to account for different group sizes. We ask that you try to find an area where the number of chairs grouped together is approximately the size of your group. We will also have ushers available to move chairs as needed to accommodate as much as possible.
As a way of ensuring that we show hospitality to our guests this Sunday, we are looking for a few families who are willing to sit in the overflow seating area during the service. If you are willing to do this, please contact Rosa Matos in the church office.
Following our Easter service, we will hold a special outdoor fellowship time in the Austin’s backyard (west side of the building). We encourage you to bring chairs and blankets for seating. We will also have folding chairs available. If you would like to participate by bringing food or treats, please contact Larry LaBelle.
Church Directory Update
If you haven’t yet done so, we’re asking that you submit your updated information and send us a photo by this Sunday for the church directory. There are two ways to provide your updated information:
- Fill out the online form. To access the form, click the link in your midweek update email.
- Fill out the paper form available in the narthex and place in the designated box.
Please email photographs to Rosa. Bryan Van Zanten has volunteered to take photographs and will be available to do so immediately following this Sunday’s service.
Church Cleanup Day (aka “Donut Day”): Saturday, April 24; 9:00am-Noon
On Saturday, April 24, we will have our “Donut Day” from 9:00am until noon. Our property team leaders, Mark Wissing and Phyl Holt, are planning a morning to spread mulch, pull weeds, clean windows, and of course, enjoy donuts. Hope you can join us!
Prayer Requests
Hildi VanderVeen (Beth Wright’s mom): Please pray that the Lord would bring healing to Beth Wright’s mom, Hildi VanderVeen, who is in Lexington rehab facility after a fall.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett