Dear Friends,

I don't know about you, but I am getting excited about Holy Week and Easter!

During Holy Week we walk with Jesus towards the cross and on Easter we commemorate the central act of Christianity - the Resurrection of Jesus.

In this week's Gospel we hear Jesus say (John 12:24-25) "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." We are being prepared to walk with Jesus in his trial, crucifixion, and death. We are also being prepared to welcome the new life that comes after - the resurrection, life eternal, abundant love made known because a seed (God's Love in the Person of Christ Jesus) has been planted and new fruit and flowers spring forth.

I love this little parable that reminds us to trust in the process of life and death. It calls us to trust that even though things are dying or ending, God can bring new life from the old. God can transform our lives. In this passage and entering into Holy Week, we are being invited to change and to trust God's work in our lives through the love of Jesus.

In our kitchen we have a small hydroponic system. We (Jeremy and I) have been able to grow herbs and have just now tried cherry tomatoes. It has been fascinating to watch the flowers turn into a small tomato. It feels like we are watching a miracle as the plant is transformed right in front of our eyes. Watching a flower turn to a fruit (or vegetable) is awe inspiring. It has moved me to pray that God will imprint this image in my brain and on my heart so that I can trust in the power of transformation the next time I am faced with a challenge, death, or change in life that stretches me to bear good fruit for others.

This is also timely in that this week is the start of my Seeds Project Fellowship through Faith+Lead. Faith+Lead is an "ecosystem of theological resources and training designed to equip Christian disciples and leaders to follow God into a faithful future." You can learn more about them Here. I have been selected as one of their fellows in their Seeds Project. The Seeds Project is a fellowship for leaders who want to innovate, are eager to grow and be creative as they passionately share the Gospel with an ever changing world. You can read more about the Seeds Project here.

One of the things I appreciate about this program is the emphasis on trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance and leaning into our Christian traditions of scripture reading, listening, and praying. I am looking forward to letting new ideas germinate and take root in my life of faith. This will, no doubt, change me and us at St. Nick's.

Faith is dynamic. It is not meant to be static. Growing in faith, changing our ideas, having new experiences, and being open to the Holy Spirit in our lives is a scary but exhilarating way to live.

I pray this Holy Week you try something new. Come to a worship service that may challenge you and trust in the experience of God to be found. Our faith is a gift from God and God's spirit is always working on us - planting, cultivating, and nurturing our lives so we may bear good fruit.

God's Peace, Love, and Blessings,

Beth+

Sunday, March 17: Fifth Sunday in Lent

Sunday Scriptures (click here for full scripture readings): Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-13, 17-22; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

Collect for the Fifth Sunday in Lent:

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday and helped at our work day. The offices are coming along and the Sunday School Room looks great!

Thank you also to those who stayed for the Stop the Bleed training last Sunday. We have 13 youth and adults who spent time learning how to care for the injured and hurt. Thanks to the Bulverde/Spring Branch Fire Department and EMS workers for spending their time training us.

Thank you to everyone who is donating to make Easter special and joyous! We are still accepting donations and you can place the items in the bags on the East wall of the sanctuary. Donations are welcome through Friday March 29th.

1. Easter Egg Donations - plastic eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt. Either pre-filled or ready to fill.
2. Candy - non chocolate candy for the eggs.
3. Pinata - small toys and candy for the two pinatas for our youth and our children.
4. Cascarones/Confetti Eggs - because Rev. Beth said okay to the fun as long as it's outside.
5. Favorite brunch meal - for the potluck on Easter Sunday
6. Volunteers of all ages - help decorate the church on the Saturday before Easter and fill eggs and pinatas. See you at the church at 10am.

Special Dinner Church

Dinner Church is always special but this week it is extra special. It's Picnic week. We will be meeting at the Bulverde Community Park located at

29815 Bulverde Ln

Bulverde, TX 78163-2045

Meet us there at 5:30 and bring your favorite picnic foods!

Our Lenten offering has been to collect coins for The Share Center in their Baby Boomerang efforts. You still have time to pick up a bottle, fill it with coins and return it to the church by April 1st.

Your coins go to help further the mission of The Share Center with supplies for new parents and classes to help them.

The bottle are next to the Provisions basket. We always accept donations to Provisions Outreach - the food bank right next door to us. They are always in need of non-perishable items like peanut butter, tuna, pasta, and soups.

Sunday Ministry Sign-ups

All ages can sign up at this link

Our Sunday ministry jobs are at the Sign-up Zone link above.

We are looking for readers, greeters, hospitality hosts, acolytes, and altar team members.

You can contact Rev. Beth if you would like to serve and have questions. Remember, as an intergenerational church - all ages are encouraged to lead and serve.