Sharing Christ, Changing Lives

 Dear Members, Friends, and Guests,

Tonight, we observe Holy Thursday with choral music, Holy Communion, and the stripping of the altar.  The service begins at 6:30 pm and we ask that you leave Sanctuary in silence when it concludes.

Tomorrow at 6:30 pm, we observe Good Friday with the traditional Tenebrae Service.  With the choir joining us, we will hear Jesus’s seven last words on the cross as the Sanctuary gets progressively darker.  The Christ Candle is removed as a loud noise signifying the closing of Jesus’ tomb is heard.  The Christ Candle returns to the chancel, signifying the hope of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  We also ask that you leave the Sanctuary in silence.

So that we may all worship together on Easter Sunday, there will be no Saturday night service.  Also, we are doing an experiment this year: we will not be having a sunrise service.  I made the call for several reasons: it’s declined in attendance over the years, our sound equipment and keyboard must be transported outside and afterwards, hastily set back up in the Sanctuary for the morning services.  With the advent of streaming our services on YouTube, it’s more important to ensure that the Sanctuary sound is re-connected properly.  Finally, as is our tradition of not having a Saturday night service, it allows us to worship together on this holy day!

With the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, we celebrate Easter Sunday with gusto!  Our Traditional Services at 8 and 9:30 am feature choral music, lots of Easter hymns, and the celebration of Holy Communion.  Our Contemporary Service at 11 am continues our celebration and will also feature Holy Communion.  Also, please join us for a delicious Easter breakfast from 7 to 10 am in the Fellowship Hall!

I look forward to seeing you at Epiphany!

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Pastor Mark 

 Dear Members, Friends, and Guests,

 This weekend begins the countdown to Easter Sunday as we celebrate Palm Sunday.  On the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem, he gave his disciples specific instructions to follow to obtain a colt for the King of Kings to ride on.  We’ll look at that seemingly insignificant event and see how it is very relevant to our lives today. 

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Pastor Mark 

 Dear Members, Friends, and Guests,

 After a weeklong staycation, I’ll be back in the pulpit this weekend with a message from Luke 20:  9-20, where we will learn about Jesus’ incredible patience and mercy.

Looking ahead … our last midweek Lenten service is Wednesday at 6:30 pm …Palm Sunday will be normal service times … Holy Thursday Service will be April 17 at 6:30 pm … Good Friday Service will be April 18 at 6:30 pm …. We will have no Saturday evening service on April … and we will celebrate Easter with three services at 8 am, 9:30 am and 11 am on April 20.

May God richly bless your week,

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Pastor Mark