In This Issue
  • Message from Pastor Jim
  • Hunger Campaign Contribution
  • Community Prayers and Links
  • Young @ Heart?

This Week's Scripture Links:

Dear Friends,

I can't wait to Zoom in to worship with you Sunday. While the audio for last week was not great, our practice with Zoom tonight gives us hope to having a quality worship service for you.  

Our theme this Sunday is  The Gravity of Grief.  Originally, it was the Gravity of Death, but I didn't like that. It sounded too harsh. Now it sounds rather timely.

Our Gospel lesson is John 11:1-44. (I encourage you to read it ahead of time) The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Or, the story of Jesus grieving with us. In this passage Jesus weeps with Martha, Mary, and all Lazarus' family and friends. John tells us Jesus' heart was troubled, but it is much stronger than that. I will share about that Sunday. Grief and death are a reality in life, and they are difficult subjects to discuss. Read Jesus' prayer before he calls Lazarus out from death, and you will see the key point Jesus wants us to discern: that we would believe God sent Jesus. Not only that, but what kind of God sent Jesus.

You are receiving information regarding a new app that has been built for Rejoice Lutheran Church. Eventually, we will use it to stream our worship weekly. For now, it offers fast and secure giving through our website or by text to give. Please look for the details.

I know in uncertain times like this, giving to God seems intuitively wrong. I would suggest that in fact, this is the best of times to have our faith strengthened in trust for God to provide. Now, having said that, no one should ever feel guilt over not being able to make a gift because you can't afford to live without it. Many of us live paycheck to paycheck, and the loss of income teaches us to rely on God and give what we can. It's almost harder, though, to not be able to give. Our dependence upon God is stripped bare, and we feel exposed. It takes more faith in those circumstances not to give.

Please pray for Rejoice that we can continue to thrive in our ministry and mission.  

We will worship live at 9:30 am Sunday. You can also call in to a number below.  

God bless our grief,

Pastor Jim

Join the Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/131660613
Meeting ID: 131 660 613

-OR-

Phone in at 1.253. 215. 8782
Meeting ID: 131 660 613
Campaign Extension

ELCA World Hunger's 40 Days of Giving campaign has been extended to April 30. Y our gifts to ELCA World Hunger and the Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf make a difference.
Uncertain Times

As we deal with health issues and recommended community guidelines for the coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to predict what will happen with the April Young @ Heart meeting. Check the website for updates at reoicelutheranchurch.org or call our coordinator, Karolyn Boucher at 320.293.2242.
Community Prayers
I f you have a loved one or friend in need of prayer, fill out a   prayer request   or use one of the prayer concern requests located on the Interest table and in the sanctuary welcome pads. The star(*) in front of a name denotes a Rejoice member. This is a dynamic list. Requests will be printed for up to four weeks; call the church office at 320.558.6851 to extend listing. If a name of a friend or loved one has been omitted please resubmit the name and/or concern using one of the prayer concern forms found in the red Welcome Pads in the worship area. 
Receiving Treatment for Cancer:
Judy Evans (friend, Betty Loehr)
Nancy Hilla (friend, Bill & Rhoda Senkler)
Judy Schill (mother, Chris Schill)
Terri (mother, Jill Charboneau)
Kari Hilden (friend, Lori Lanes)
Christy Dorris (great-niece, Duane & Darlene Johnson)
Rev. Scott Gustafson (cousin, Linnea Lindquist)
Marlene Anderson-Woods (friend, Linda Agre)
*Pete Lidberg
Others:
*Charlie Johnson
Rick Willumsen (brother-in-law, Sue Severson)
Brian (nephew, Scott & Doris Scharmer)
Lee Fredrickson (mother, Todd Brzinski)
Ryan, son of Layne & Julie (friend, Lori Lanes)
Marge Holmgren (sister-in-law, Lynn & Ron Schneider)
Linda O’Dell-Cowles (family friend, Leigh Holman)
Kent Petersen (brother, Rhoda Senkler)
Justine Honor Pridgeon (granddaughter, Lisa & Ryan Pridgeon)
MJ Havlicek (friend, Lori Lanes)
*Martha Johnson
Karen Kroska (friend, Ray & Mary Wilson)
Elsa Petersen (mother, Rhoda Senkler)
Rachel Randall (sister, Duane Johnson)
Connie Nelson (sister-in-law, Gladys Steiger)
Nancy Nicoloff (friend, Lori Lanes)
Lester Dupont (father, Linda Painter)
*Dick Swanson
Sandy Swanson (daughter-in-law, Dick Swanson)
Ron Dettman (friend, Linda Agre)
Marlene Vogel (mother, Joni Hagstrom)
Michael Johnson, (son, Charlie & Edie Johnson)
Ron Wolfbauer (nephew, Carolyn & Ron Stensby)
Walker James Vreeland (grandson, David & Cindy Kirchoff)
Baby Henry Opatz (friend, Tina Bunting)
Tom Ahrenholz (brother, Mark Ahrenholz)
*Jerry Jagadzinski
*Bev Hugo
Deployed or Returning from Active Duty:
Pastor Daryl Thul (Pastor at South Santiago Lutheran Church) and members of the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade
Justin Neisen (nephew, Lisa Pridgeon)
Jon Fisher (brother, Joe Fisher)
Tyler Sunder (son of Karie Monk-Gohman's co-worker)
Rejoice Staff
Jim Bump Lead Pastor
Carol Eich Office Administrator
Nicole Heberling Music Coordinator
Mary Bergeron Office Assistant