Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. Holy Week. There is no more special time of year. I wish it had a set date like Christmas. It slips by us sometimes, with little notice, but I bet you know what today, April 15th, is. I hear it every year – “Oh yeah, which Sunday is Easter?” So are you ready for Easter? Get ready by being in worship on Palm Sunday April 17 and Good Friday, April 22. Get ready by making sure this coming week is reflective, sacrificial, and prayerful.
Come to church tomorrow (Sat) at 1:00 and help us decorate the large wooden cross with palm branches. Come on Holy Saturday (next week – same time) to re-decorate with lilies and fresh palms for Easter. BYOF - Bring a lily or white flowering plant to celebrate resurrection on Easter.
Set aside extra offering money for our One Great Hour of Sharing, so you can make a difference in the lives of those who are hungry or suffering from disasters. It is so easy to forget the people of Japan are still struggling. Live more simply this week so someone else can simply live.
This Sunday, please take home some Holy Week postcard invitations to tuck into the doors of 10-20 neighbors or to mail to friends. Many people who are not ordinarily in church will consider going on Easter. So invite them!
We celebrate this Sunday Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem with palm branches and song. We reflect on the last week of his life. We share a special brunch together, even as we consider how grateful we are for all eleven of Peace’s ministry teams, run by six or eight good people like you.
Children and youth will have classes right after the brunch this Sunday. They and their teachers should gather at the front of the buffet line. Thanks to all who are assisting the Fellowship Team with the meal. Adults will not have classes on Palm Sunday or Easter. On Easter the youth will assist with the children’s egg hunt at 11:30. The youth will have their own egg decorating party at the Lowe's house the day before, from 2-5.
Our 7:00 pm Good Friday service will reflect on the last day of Jesus’ life, beginning with the Last Supper he shared with his disciples. This service of communion, with readings, prayers, music , and increasing darkness will help you appreciate the meaning of death. Where is the power of resurrection without death? Don’t miss it.
May this be a Holy Week in your life. No, make this be a Holy Week in your life by the way you live and pray through it.
God be with you.Grace and peace,
Elizabeth
