Greetings from Church of Peace 03-28-13



Greetings from Church of Peace!

It is Holy Week.  Lots of musicians, enhancers, costumers, cooks, and actors have joined the church staff in preparing services that promise to be life-enhancing.  Here’s the schedule:

TODAY is Maundy Thursday.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. It is a dramatic re-enactment of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.  Holy Communion will be served in the pews.  This service will make Jesus’ last meal with his disciples come alive in your heart.

TOMORROW is Good Friday.  We will gather at 7:00 p.m. to commemorate the death of Jesus.  Two anthems sung by a small ensemble will highlight the service which is made up of Scripture readings, prayers, and the snuffing of candles.  The screen will be used to present artists’ portrayals of Jesus’ last day.

SUNDAY is Easter!  We will gather at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for the glorious celebration of Christ’s resurrection.  Holy Communion will be offered at our altar which will have been transformed into a garden of praise.  The choir will sing at each service.  Don’t let your Easter be just about bunnies and colored eggs; worship on this holy day! There will be no Sunday School on Easter.

SUNDAY from 9:00-10:00 a.m. the mission trippers will be hosting an enhanced social hour, both as an opportunity for the congregation to socialize and as a fund-raiser.  Please plan to come enjoy their home- made goodies and support this very worthy cause.

The extraordinary worship services are not done after Easter Sunday.  Next week, April 7th, the Lakeland College Choir will sing for our 8:45 a.m. worship service.  Plan to be here.

Several families in our congregation are grieving at this time.  Tom O’Laire’s funeral was held on Tuesday.  Roger Wendt has died; his funeral will be on Saturday.  Eldon Wohler is very frail as he rests in hospice care.  Please remember these families when you pray.

The April Messenger is available on line (subversivecinema.com) and in the narthex at the church. The church office will open at noon on the day after Easter.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

We’ll see you in church!  Pastors Jenny and Jim

A prayer for today:  As I remember the events of these dramatic days in Jesus’ life, O God, I thank you for the love he showed and the example he set.  I pray that my heart will be open to fully appreciate the significance of this holy time. Bless the many people at Church of Peace (as well as Christians everywhere) who are working together to bring the deep meaning of Holy Week and Easter to our lives today.  As I pray, I remember those families whose hearts are heavy, especially the families of Tom O’Laire, Roger Wendt, and Eldon Wohler.  May the meaning of Easter be especially comforting to them this year.  I pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.