As Jesus rode into the Holy City, "many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!'" (Mark 11:8-10). It must have been exciting to be on the road to Jerusalem. You can just imagine being caught up in the crowd and being a part of the chaotic, inspiring, and spontaneous parade into the Holy City. The energy of the crowd would be contagious. People are shouting Hosanna, others are spreading their coats on the ground, and many are waving palm branches. What an exciting moment. It is one that you would remember forever.

This Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. We will open worship by recreating the processional as we welcome Jesus into the sanctuary and our hearts. Our hymns of praise will echo with the strains of those lifted up 2,000 years ago. Our voices will mingle with Christians throughout the ages. 

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Unfortunately, we recognize our own fickleness when on Thursday in the Upper Room, we can’t believe that one of us would betray Jesus. Unfortunately, that is followed by our joining the voices shouting “crucify” on Friday. The silence of Saturday is followed by the joyful news of new life and resurrection on Easter.

Holy Week has the high of waving palms, followed by the poignancy of sharing a meal with Jesus in the Upper Room, to the heartbreak hearing his final words on the cross, to celestial heights of resurrection. 

I encourage you to make it a priority to participate in all the Holy Week experiences next week and feel the breadth and depth of God’s saving love.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m., join us in person,

or participate in our live-streamed worship service

on either our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/forrestburdettemumc

or our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/ForrestBurdette/videos

Sunday School classes begin at 9:15 a.m.

March 28, 6:30 p.m.: On Maundy or Holy Thursday, we, like the original disciples, will experience the Meal in the Upper Room. We will begin in the sanctuary and then move into the Fellowship Hall. We will share a meal like the one Jesus shared with the 12. Around tables we will eat similar foods to a 1st century Passover. We will also listen to the words of Jesus from the Gospel, sing, and pray. As Jesus invites us to break bread, we will share communion at our tables. Don’t miss this profoundly moving experience. Sign up today by clicking here. (If you already signed up using a different way, you don't need to sign up here.)

Our usual supplier informed the church that Easter lilies are not available for large quantity purchase again this year. As a result, we are not able to offer lilies for sale. In lieu of purchasing lilies, please make a special Lenten donation toward the “A Bike for Every Pastor” initiative in North Katanga, in honor/memory of a loved one. Please click here for more information and the donation form. To expand on the information on the form, one bike costs $150 (the previous figure of $130 was incorrect, but no worries if you already gave $130!). Feel free to “buy a bike” with your donation! Or, contribute what you can toward the purchase of a bike.

Wednesday evening classes for all ages begin at 6:30 p.m. There will not be a fellowship dinner this week because of the Egg Factory‘s use of the Fellowship Hall, but classes will be held.

It’s Easter Egg Season again! The congregation of Forrest Burdette is invited to join in the fellowship of Easter Egg construction at the Annual Egg Factory. Beginning today, March 18, and running through Thursday, March 21, volunteers are working with our United Methodist Women in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closing time may vary, as we plan to make more eggs this year). Training will be provided for workers. We need YOU as you are available! Workers may bring a dish to share for the noon and/or evening meals, Monday through Wednesday. Volunteers are also needed for clean up each evening at 6:00 (closing time may vary). Photo below is fun from this morning!

Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is our Spring Festival! Easter Egg orders will be ready for pick-up. Many hands are needed! Donations of baked goods to be sold at the Country Store can be brought in to the church on Friday, March 22.

Please pray for the volunteers and the mission outreach of this project. For more information, call Karen Lilly, 304-562-9241.

JOY Fellowship will not meet in March, due to a schedule conflict with the Egg Factory. Please mark your calendars for our next covered dish lunch on Thursday, April 18, at noon.

As we gear up for another exciting summer at Spring Heights Camping and Retreat Center and DaySpring Mobile Day Camp, the WV Conference Camping Team is in the process of creating a devotional book tailored specifically for our summer staff members. This book will serve as a source of inspiration, encouragement, and reflection throughout the summer season. This project will also highlight the beauty of our United Methodist Connection.

We value our staff and wish to nurture their spiritual growth. It is our belief that the collective wisdom, experiences, and insights of our connection can truly make this devotional book a meaningful resource. Would you be willing to share with us? 

Contributions are needed by March 25th. Your contribution should include your name and church, a scripture and devotional reflection, as well as prayer. The entry may be emailed to me: karynabennett@gmail.com in any format. We encourage you to draw from your own experiences, to offer guidance and support to our summer staff as they embark on this journey. We welcome you to express gratitude for all the staff does and provide words that will uplift them. 

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. Grace and Peace, Karyn

[Uruguay is one of the countries where our 2023 gift boxes were sent.] Of the 42 children who attended Class 1 of The Greatest Journey, 27 children heard about Jesus for the first time. Every Saturday in our classes those children came with great enthusiasm to continue hearing about Jesus. We could see how passionate they came out of each class. Alvin, a 9-year-old boy, did not have friends. He spent most of his time on his cell phone playing games. Alvin participated in the evangelistic event and did not miss a single class of The Greatest Journey, after the second class.

He had already become a different child, loving, interacting with his classmates. He no longer brought his cell phone to class, and in the neighborhood the neighbors had already noticed the change he was having. He was the first to accept Jesus in his heart, and he himself said that since that day he is happier. Alvin’s parents are not believers, but they always supported their son’s participation in classes. His mother approached us to tell us that she was very happy about the change her son had and recognized that the one who changed him was Jesus, since now he goes out to play, has friends at school, and is very loving with his parents. We are sure that Alvin will bring his entire family to the feet of Christ. Amen. (2023)

Nine Rivers Laity Educational Event, formerly known as Lay Academy, is set for May 3-4, 2024, at Forrest Burdette UMC. This is a 2-day (Friday evening—Saturday all day), in-person event. Please pick up a brochure behind the Connection Center desk for more information, or click here.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 16-20, 2024.

3/18—Christopher Clark, Caroline Harris, Ezra Scott

3/19—No birthdays on record today

3/20—Warren Faulknier, Brad Patterson

3/21—Sue Bennett, Dustin Fisher, Justin Williams

3/22—Liam Anderson, Kimberly Slappe, Morgan Sword

3/23—Karla Atkins, Judy Clendenin, Alex Cremeans, Terri Stull

3/24—Jan Browne, Miranda Kimble, Susan McCracken, Penny Nelon