Holy Week is filled with contrasts: conflict, betrayal, feasting, washing feet, praying, sleeping, arrest, trial, beatings, condemnation, crucifixion, final words, death, silence, and an empty tomb. We have multiple opportunities this week to experience the fullness of Holy Week. I invite you to prioritize your walk through the events of Holy Week. This e-Connection has the complete schedule of experiences designed to help us grow closer to Christ.

Please prayerfully read through the following poem by Ann Weems. It is from her book, Kneeling in Bethlehem. As we reflect on her poem and the events of Holy Week, I pray that each of us will experience the power of resurrection in our lives and in our community of faith.

The Time for Kneeling

The Lamb has been slain

and the sheep have scattered.

Now is the time for kneeling,

the time for believers

to kneel and call upon his name,

to kneel

and to rise again:

the community of the resurrection.

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

Easter Brunch: In place of Sunday School classes next Sunday, we will enjoy a covered dish brunch in the Fellowship Hall, starting at 9:15 a.m. Bring something to share, and enjoy the Easter morning fellowship!

We will continue the tradition of the Flowering Cross this Sunday. Please bring cut flowers to church with you and place them on the chicken wire covered cross that will be outside near the bell tower. The cross will be “brought to life with color and beauty as a living symbol of resurrection.”

The labyrinth is available in room 211 (upstairs classroom; elevator is available), Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Suggestions for how to use your prayer time on this prayer path are available at the labyrinth.

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.

Because of Holy Week, there will not be a fellowship dinner and we won’t be holding classes this Wednesday.

Thanks to you, our goal to collect something for a child to hug is very close to completion! There are "huggies" for boys and girls age 2-4 and girls ages 5-14. Any additional huggies donated will be given to boys ages 5-9.

(Throw away or cleaning picture)

As you begin your spring cleaning, please consider holding on to all items you no longer need. At the Citywide Yard Sale, in August, we're having a booth of donated items from our church family. All proceeds will go toward funding our boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  

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

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.

3/25—Trevor Cunningham, Willa Elkins, Jeff Given, John Marra, Cathy Ray, Shannon Warden

3/26—Chris Howat

3/27—Emily Cartwright, Shawn Sette

3/28—Natalie Elkins, Dean Huffman, Ed Smith

3/29—Ellis Conley, Sam Sentelle

3/30—Elizabeth Baublitz, Bob Brinkman, Jessica Jarvis

3/31—Landon Hollaway