Holy Week Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Without that, our faith and our preaching are all in vain. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection! Please join us this Lenten and Easter season as we “Behold the Man.”
Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Loves” (Exodus 12:1–14; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32; John 13:1–17, 31b–35): On the night when He will be betrayed, the One who has every power of God, “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (John 13:1). He picked up a bowl of water, wrapped Himself in a towel, and used His divine hands to scrub the dirt from the feet of His disciples. A new commandment He gives. Love like this, He commands. Love with hands, not hearts. Love with actions, not feelings. Love by dying. As I have loved you.
Good Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Bleeds, a God Who Dies” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9; John 18–19): Why has God become man? Why does God have flesh? Why does God have a heart that beats, lungs that breathe, a brain with synapses that fire? For this: to die. His heart beats so that it can stop beating. His lungs draw in breaths and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide so that they can fill with fluid and stop taking in breath. His brain conducts an electro-chemical symphony so that it can stop abruptly before the final act. His eyes see so that they can be blind. His ears hear so they can be deaf. His hands work so they can be pinned to a wooden cross. His blood courses through His veins so it can flow in rivulets down the post of a torture device and leave a crimson stain in the dirt at a place named “Skull.” God is man so that He can die. For you.
Women of Advent Retreat: Tomorrow, Saturday April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church. Gina Lohman will guide us through this opportunity to “Shatter the lies: Remembering who we are.” Be prepared to break your bondage to Satan and revel in the freedom of God through small groups, crafts, personal reflection time with your Lord, as well as worship and praise. Lunch will be provided.
Easter Sunday Brunch: Please plan to attend the annual Easter potluck bunch at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 21. Bring a brunch dish to share; beverages will be provided. Family and friends are welcome. There is a sign-up sheet in the church narthex. There will be an Easter egg hunt after the service. If you are participating and are able, please bring a dozen (or more) filled, plastic eggs to hide.
PORCH: Upcoming sort dates are April 15, May 20, June 17. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.
Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: April 14 – Pastor Scott, April 28 – Joe Schradie, May 5 – Pastor Scott, May 12 – Dave Neely.
Readings for Sunday, April 14, Palm Sunday: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 32:36–39, Psalm 118:19–29, Phil. 2:5–11, John 12:12–43