From the Bridge Pastor
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The season of Lent has ended. A few of us joined for a time of quiet reflection on Wednesdays during Lent. We began Holy Week with Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion and the powerful dramatic reading, “Cry of the Whole Congregation” by Walter Wangerin, Jr. We followed Jesus’ journey from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem through the final hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We gathered for our Maundy Thursday which included Holy Communion and a dramatic reading entitled “Judas” which I wrote. Michael Danner portrayed Judas and I portrayed Satan. Several of us joined the congregations of First Congregational Church of Whiting and Mayflower Congregational Church at Mayflower for a Good Friday service. Nan Cord, Ginger France, John Kiernan, and I participated in the leadership of that service.
On the Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday, we welcomed a brass quintet comprised of my friends: Seth Snakenberg, Dave Pepin, Allison Anderson-Kahl, Dave Snakenberg, and Jules Banks. Michael Danner provided beautiful Easter music including accompanying the brass on several of the hymns.
The early Church leaders felt that Easter was such an important event, that it would be celebrated not only one Sunday, but for 50 days! It ends with the third major festival of the Church year, The Day of Pentecost. In the meantime, we will hear wonderful biblical accounts of what Jesus did between the Resurrection and his Ascension into heaven.
Blessed Eastertide.
Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
Prayers
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the Ukrainian people as the incursion by Russia continues and thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safety and as Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers also continue to be lifted for our country: for the political divisions which seem to be widening, for the poor, for those who are homeless, for those who are sick, for those who are dying, for those who have already or are ready to give up hope.
Our prayers continue for the whole Church and, in particular, First Congregational United Church of Christ that we may continue to strive to be the hands of Christ in the city, in the state, in the nation, and in the world.
Pastor’s Office Hours
A reminder of my hours:
Mondays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
Tuesdays: 2:00-5:00
Wednesdays: 2:00-5:00
Thursdays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
During my posted hours, I might be called to visit someone in the hospital or who is homebound. It will be a good idea to call ahead to ensure that I am available for an in-person visit. Also, I will be available for emergencies in addition to office hours. Please call my cell phone at (712) 490-6510.