This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.
Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday worship will be at 10 am. An in-person, outdoor worship service will be offered in our parking lot. Pre-sealed Holy Communion elements will be provided. The service will also be live-streamed so you can participate from home. If you are at home, please have some bread and “fruit of the vine” available for Holy Communion. The same will be offered on Sunday April 18th at 10am.
On Easter Sunday, plan to bring some flowers that will adorn the new cross that Paul Cunningham made for the church! The cross is covered in wire so that the flowers can be held in place.
Beginning in May and possibly continuing through August, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 10am, there will be an outdoor, live-streamed worship service. The recording of that service will be available after 5pm on our website. Sundays: May 9, 23 / June 13, 27 / July 11, 25 / August 8,22. All other Sundays will just be recorded on Fridays at 11am. and posted to our website by Sunday morning.
Our gathering for worship each Sunday at church, in our homes, or wherever we are able, is very essential to strengthen us to meet the world’s challenges. These days, especially, we cling to the messages of our faith that call us to new beginnings and living a new life. Previous Sunday worship services can be found at our website. “www.ststephenslutheran.org“
Thank you all for your amazing support and love and faithful prayers for Leslie and our family. What a difference it makes to be lifted up and healed in body and spirit by you all.
Please refer to Leslie’s “CaringBridge.org” page for updates and details about her story in case you may not have heard about her accident. Please look for your newsletter before Easter – Leslie has written an article sharing her thoughts and feelings since the accident.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness in your financial giving back to God through our church. Please remember to either give your offering through the mail, through our website donation option, signing up for monthly electronic giving, OR if you just want to get out of the house, then come by the church and drop it off in the mailbox in a secure slot called “Incoming mail”! Office hours are M-Th 8:30-2:30. If you come during those times, you may also want to step into the sanctuary for some prayer and quiet time with God. We would love to see you. Our library is also open to you with quite a variety to choose from.
Thank you to those of you who have been sending us notes and messages of encouragement and support. They help keep us hopeful and joyful! We always love to hear how things are going. We would like to share your experiences in the Newsletter each month. So, give some thought to what’s been happening in your life – we all miss each other, and would be thrilled to hear what’s up!
Other notes:
- If any of you would like to participate, it really helps to have a few people Reading Scripture and offering the Prayers of Intercession from the Celebrate page. Or if you would just like to come to worship – Fridays (new day) 11:00 am. Call the office at 476-4700 to schedule your spot.
- Habitat for Humanity Lunches. We will be providing Lunches (sandwiches, chips, fruit & cookies) for 10 volunteers. Reply to this email or call the office if you would like to help out. Our next date is Tuesday, May 25.
- A few copies of “White Fragility” are available to borrow. Call the office to inquire.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim
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