Jesus is…Peace!
Last week, we declared that Jesus is Alive – and that he comes again and again to us.
This week, Jesus appears to the disciples in Jerusalem – and they are disbelieving and terrified and startled and wondering – could it be that Jesus really is alive?
Peace be with you.
And he showed them his wounds and he ate with them and helped them to understand. Jesus shows us his wounds – hurting people, hungry people, hating people, and asks us to bring peace to them because we too are hurting, and hungry, and yes, sometimes even hateful.
Peace be with you.
Jesus is peace.
No matter where you are…know that you are most welcome here.
Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Living in the resurrection promise,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Spring Cleaning?: Connect 4 Community and SOTH will be holding a joint garage sale on June 5 & 6, 2015. If you have items to donate, please set them aside. We will share more information as we get closer. The fundraiser will benefit both groups.
Spring Cleaning Pt.2: The indoor/outdoor church cleanup is scheduled for Saturday April 18 beginning at 8:30 AM until everything is done! If it’s nice, bring your rakes, chainsaws, etc. We have 4 acres of clean-up! If you have any questions, please contact Jim Perara.
Worship Guests: Due to February snow, we were not able to schedule two outreach partners until now! This week, we welcome Haley McCracken from Project Self Sufficiency in Newton. We partner with them at Thanksgiving, but they have programs that span education, child care and health care. Please join the conversation as well at 9:15.
First Communion preparation has begun with five young people. Please pray for Ryan, Henry, Lily, Christina, and Hannah as they learn about the Sacrament of the Altar (Communion). They will receive their first communion on Sunday May 17 at 10:15 AM
We Equip.
Faith Formation:
Thanks for the photos of the resurrection gardens. Check the right side of the email to see how they grew!
On April 19, we will learn about the sower, who threw seeds and on what soil they landed. We’ll also check progress on our seedlings. We start at 9:15 sharp! The students also will be sharing a song they are learning on May 10 at the 10:!5 worship service. We will practice during class time.
Extra Ham or Turkey?
We have a solution for you! The Faith Kitchen Prep team will gladly take your donation to be used for future meal preparation. Please bring them to church and leave them in the freezer. Mark them TFK. Thanks.
Fellowship Hour Hosts: We need your help! There are no hosts for our time together for April, May…please consider helping out with making coffee, setting up and breaking down the parish hall. Sign up is on the white shutters in the narthex.
We send.
New Book: Pastor Jack DiMatteo, a former associate pastor at SOTH, has published a book on the spiritual dimensions of saying good-bye to loved ones. It is titled “Faith and Farewell…When Your Parents Approach Their Final Days” and is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Rev. DiMatteo is sharing his experience with churches throughout the state. On May 14, at 7:30 PM, he will give a talk and answer questions at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Pompton Plains (the closest one to us). If you are interested but cannot attend that night, please call the office to learn of other dates/times.
SEC Food Pantry Gift of the Month:This year, we are switching up our offerings a bit. There are many things that folks need but are unable to buy with SNAP dollars. They are also things that we normally don’t think about when we donate our food.For the month of April, we are asking for donations of individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper for the Food Pantry.
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts.