This Sunday:

"Jesus has gone before you!"

Matthew 28:1-10

In-person and Live Stream to Facebook and YouTube at 10:30 AM

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day that we remember the intimate supper that Jesus shared with his disciples and the commandment that he left with them to embody in their lives: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34) I do believe that Jesus gave this commandment not only to his disciples but to all who would follow him and call upon his name as Lord and Savior. If you want to join us this evening, we will gather from 5 pm – 7 pm for a potluck, remembering the Passover and the Last Supper with our children so that they can begin to understand the importance of this night. One of the highlights that I am looking forward to is baking flat bread which we will use for Worship on Easter morning.

Tomorrow, Good Friday is the day that Jesus was crucified – for our sins. Instead of enacting vengeance, he forgave those who beat him and crucified him. “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Tomorrow at 7:00 pm we will celebrate “The Office of Tenebrae” which means “the public service of offering praise and worship” (The Office) “through the darkness and shadows.” (Tenebrae)

Saturday is referred to as “Holy Saturday.” This provides us with a day for prayer, reflection, and preparation for Easter Sunday. In some churches it is also the day when they celebrate an Easter Vigil. This comes from the Jewish tradition of the new day starting in the evening after sundown. We will celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord on Sunday morning at 8 am on the patio, and at 10:30 am in the sanctuary. We hope to see many of you gathered with us as we read the Easter Gospel from Matthew 28: 1-10. The focus of our message will be a reminder that “Jesus has gone before you!”

May you have a Blessed Holy Weekend and I hope to greet you on Easter morning with the words, “Christ is Risen!” and to hear your response, “He is risen indeed!”

Pastor Steve

• Prayers for the daughter of a dear friend of the Ostrand's, McKalette, who is undergoing surgery for uterine cancer. Prayers that the surgery goes well and she receives good results.
• Prayers for healing for Darby and Clint as they are recovering from Covid.
• Prayers for a diagnosis and treatment for Aunt Sue, who is currently hospitalized.
• Prayers for all affected by the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, as we remember those who were lost and their families as they grieve the profound loss of their loved ones.
• Prayers for all young parents, for patience, peace, and overflowing love in their homes.
• Prayers for Sharrol, who has cancer, that she would feel peace and strength.
• Prayers for a speedy recovery for Mary Reynoso following a successful surgery.
• Prayers for strength and healing for Mike Walters as he recovers following a hospitalization.
• Prayers for Uncle Ronnie's health and safety and for his family, that they may all feel strengthened and experience God's peace during this difficult time.
• Prayers for healing for Troy's brother in Colorado who suffers from Parkinson's.
• Prayers for pain relief, comfort, and endurance for Sheri Hanchar as she seeks care and treatment to restore her knee following a recent injury.
• Matt Knopf of La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church has been diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Prayers for strength for him and his family as he undergoes treatment.
• Prayers for pain relief and improvement for John Dahlgren as he is experiencing severe back pain.
• Prayers for Theresa Nguyen following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brothers, Len and Larry and also his wife, Ann, for healing; and also Daphne and Cassidy for God’s guidance.
• Prayers for comfort and healing for Sharon Dalbke, niece of Ron and Phyllis Ostrand, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.
• Dana Engstrom, the preschool director, is battling long COVID. Prayers for complete healing for her.