Dear Fellow Travelers,
He is Risen! Something we cry out every Easter. The great paradox of being a Christian is that we say this amid pain, grief, and disappointment. We don’t hide our feelings. We don’t say it in spite of the hard things in life. We stay it because of the hard things. Jesus is with us in joy and sadness, pain and gladness. Let’s go into Easter recognizing that the real glory comes in being with God in real life.
Our Bible Study is “Songs for Renewal” which is a study of the great hymns of the church. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.
Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.
This is what I am planning for worship in April.
Easter Sunday, April 5th. “Unexpected Resurrection” Mary Magdalene was the only one left to tend to Jesus's grave. Resurrection was quiet, small, and unexpected at first. It would be a while before it became clear. Instead of cries, "He is Risen" the resurrection is much more uncertain. I tell the story of Gideon to show how God works quietly and in smallness to bring resurrection and salvation.
Sunday, April 12th. “Is Now the Time?” Jesus had been resurrected and he walked among the disciples for a few weeks. After the disciples got over their shock, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” What an odd thing to ask. They didn't yet understand that Jesus's death and resurrection were far bigger than their politics of the moment.
Sunday, April 19th. “Precious Blood of Jesus” So much has been written and preached about the blood of Christ. We are told that it washes away the sins of humanity. We are told that it is our protection from evil and death. This is all true, but the Lamb of God does not insulate us from the world and take us out of the world. Instead puts the present time in perspective. It gives us hope for a greater story that what we worry about day to day.
Sunday, April 26th. “Bandits, Communists, and Capitalists” One of my most popular podcast episodes was titled "Was Jesus a Capitalist or a Communist?" My answer was "neither!" Thieves and bandits are abundant in every economic and political system. The story of the early church and Jesus's story of the sheep who know their master's voice offers us hope about how to navigate through the real-life challenges of being faithful followers of Jesus.
It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in April!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob
He is Risen! Something we cry out every Easter. The great paradox of being a Christian is that we say this amid pain, grief, and disappointment. We don’t hide our feelings. We don’t say it in spite of the hard things in life. We stay it because of the hard things. Jesus is with us in joy and sadness, pain and gladness. Let’s go into Easter recognizing that the real glory comes in being with God in real life.
Our Bible Study is “Songs for Renewal” which is a study of the great hymns of the church. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.
Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.
This is what I am planning for worship in April.
Easter Sunday, April 5th. “Unexpected Resurrection” Mary Magdalene was the only one left to tend to Jesus's grave. Resurrection was quiet, small, and unexpected at first. It would be a while before it became clear. Instead of cries, "He is Risen" the resurrection is much more uncertain. I tell the story of Gideon to show how God works quietly and in smallness to bring resurrection and salvation.
Sunday, April 12th. “Is Now the Time?” Jesus had been resurrected and he walked among the disciples for a few weeks. After the disciples got over their shock, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” What an odd thing to ask. They didn't yet understand that Jesus's death and resurrection were far bigger than their politics of the moment.
Sunday, April 19th. “Precious Blood of Jesus” So much has been written and preached about the blood of Christ. We are told that it washes away the sins of humanity. We are told that it is our protection from evil and death. This is all true, but the Lamb of God does not insulate us from the world and take us out of the world. Instead puts the present time in perspective. It gives us hope for a greater story that what we worry about day to day.
Sunday, April 26th. “Bandits, Communists, and Capitalists” One of my most popular podcast episodes was titled "Was Jesus a Capitalist or a Communist?" My answer was "neither!" Thieves and bandits are abundant in every economic and political system. The story of the early church and Jesus's story of the sheep who know their master's voice offers us hope about how to navigate through the real-life challenges of being faithful followers of Jesus.
It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in April!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob
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