“Last Words”

It’s 9:00 am Friday morning as I write this, the time scripture tells us Jesus was nailed to the cross.  Scriptures record 7 statements Jesus shared while he hung in agony upon that cross.  This morning, I share those statements with you to consider.

Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Behold your son … behold your mother.” John 19:26-27

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

I thirst.” John 19:28

It is finished.” John 19:30

Into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

Worship This Sunday

This is Easter Sunday!  We will have 3 services this Sunday: 8:00, 9:15 and 10:30.  This week our message is titled: “The Rest of the Story.”  Our scripture reading will be from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 16, verses 1-8:

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

But when then looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.  As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ “

Trembling and bewildered, they women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

We will begin our service with a video of the song Christ Is Risen by Matt Maher.  Our hymns for Sunday include: Christ the Lord is Risen Today, and He Lives.  Additionally, our video hymn this week is titled Glorious Day, by Casting Crowns.

COVID Precautions

Reminder: The Administrative Board has made the decision to return to our previous Sunday morning schedule (Worship Services at 8:00 & 10:20 with Sunday School at 9:00) beginning April 11. 

Even with our return to our previous schedule and Sunday School, please remember the COVID precautions in place at the church: masks are required for everyone over the age of 2, social distancing is still expected (every other pew will continue to be closed), and we will continue disinfecting pews between services. 

We know there are some who are still not feel comfortable or able to attend worship at this time. Please know that even though we don’t get to see you weekly, we still want to minister to you.  Every Sunday afternoon we will post a recording of our 10:20 worship service on our Facebook page and the message on our website.  We hope this helps you feel connected until we are able to gather again without concern. 

Announcements

Lenten Focus – Pastor Chris has invited us to focus on intentional relationships this Lenten Season.  How have you reached out to someone this week?  Take time now to reach out to that person you’ve been thinking about and let them know they are on your mind. 

Holy Week Services:

Good Friday: April 2 – Service at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Easter Sunday: April 4 – Services at 8:00, 9:15 and 10:30 am in the Sanctuary

Flipz USA Outing – The Nelson kids and youth are planning an outing to Flipz USA in Columbia on Sunday, April 11th from 2:00 – 4:30. We will have the gym to play in from 2:00-4:00, and then eat pizza from 4:00 to 4:30.  Everyone is welcome, bring a friend too!  Please RSVP to the Jacksons or the Bakers.

Blood Drive Coming – The next Red Cross Blood Drive will on Wednesday, April 14 from 1-6pm in our Fellowship Hall.  The need for blood remains great.  We currently have over 30 appointments still available on April 14.  You can sign up to donate blood by clicking here.

Thank You – Baby Grace would like to thank everyone for the wonderful donations of diapers, wipes, lotion, baby wash and monetary donations for our Baby Grace families. 

Events this week:

Sunday, April 4: Easter Sunday!

Monday, April 5: TOPS, 9:30 am, Foundations Classroom

Al- Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Tuesday, April 6: General Election, all day, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, April 7: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Saturday, April 10: United Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 11: New Sunday Schedule: Worship at 8 & 10:20 am, Sunday School at 9

Family Ministries outing to Flipz, 2:00 pm, Flipz

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death. – Soren Kierkegaard