Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this Sunday’s text we will listen in on Paul’s speech to the elders of the church in Ephesus. It is the last time the leaders of the Ephesian church will see the Apostle Paul. The speech is filled with both warmth and warning. The love Paul has for the Christians in Ephesus is seen throughout these verses, as is his concern that they guard themselves against false teaching that could lead them astray from the gospel. In these verses we get a clear view into why God calls pastors and elders to care for and protect the Christian community: God’s people have been purchased “by his own blood”; that is the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). The value God places on his people, as members of Christ’s kingdom, could not be higher. This Sunday our sermon text will be Acts 20:17-38.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
This Saturday: Embracing Hope Gathering
The women’s upcoming Embracing Hope Gathering is this Saturday, March 12 from 9:30-11:00am at the home of Kai Cullerton.. Please join us as we gather to enjoy fellowship, coffee or tea, and a message of God’s hope. Katie Wetherington will be sharing this month. Please RSVP to Amy Paglia or Jenny Johnson, but RSVP not required to attend.
Prayer for the Church in Ukraine
Our denomination’s foreign missions arm, Mission to the World, partners with missionaries and churches in the Ukraine. MTW has provided information for prayer on their website and is seeking to raise funds to care for the churches and refugees. If you would like additional information on how you can give financially to support relief efforts through MTW and how to pray for the Christians and the church in Ukraine, you can find more information here.
Purchase Lilies for Easter Sunday
Easter Lilies will be available for Easter Sunday. A single-stem lily is $14.88, and a double-stem lily is $23.99. If you would like to order one, please sign the sheet in the narthex or notify the church office by Sunday, March 20, 2022.
Prayer Requests
Amy-Jo Wierenga and Family: Please continue to lift up the Wierengas as they grieve the loss of Shirley, Amy-Jo’s mother.
Family of Carol Day: Please continue to pray for comfort and encouragement for the family of Carol Day.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please pray for our sister Karla and her husband Gary as she manages her ALS.
Bryan Van Zanten: Thank you for continuing to pray for Bryan as he undergoes chemo treatments.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett