Lent 5: Being Made New
Bones. Lots and lots of bones. As we approach the end of our Lent season, we are plunged into the graveyard of Jerusalem, and sent crying to the tomb of Lazarus. Both are sad and desolate places. It seems fitting that we approach the death of Jesus, that we too contemplate our own death.
But the stories don’t end there. Ezekiel proclaims that only God has the power to make the bones come back to life. Jesus calls to Lazarus in the grave to come out. Death is not the final answer for those bones, for Lazarus, or for us. In Christ, we are made new.
How then are we made new? Each week the lessons point us to God. It is through God’s love and mercy that we are made new through the waters of baptism and redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And our journey reminds us of these two important things: that we are God’s beloved and we live in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection because of God’s love manifest in Christ.
Worship on Sundays is at 8 & 10:15. Sunday School continues for our 3 yr old – 8th grade students at 9:10. See you then.
Wednesdays in Lent:
When was the last time you read through the small catechism? Our Wednesday prayer and study sessions have been faithfully looking at this book that tells our faith story and helps us to undertand God’s love and work for us.
This week (April 2) we will look at the Sacraments – Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Next week, our final week, we will ponder the list of household verses and prayers that Luther included.
Our noon session begins with midday prayer. Our evening session (6:30) begins with a simple soup and bread supper.
You are invited to join us at noon or 6:30. Please contact Pastor Tina for more information.
Worship Assistant Changes:
Beginning April 6, a new ‘line-up’ (click on line-up for April Schedule) will be introduced that will combine some server slots and create new ones. We hope that you will help us by noting when you are scheduled and then, if needed, finding replacements. If you have been a reader, deacon, usher, greeter, acolyte, counter…or if you wish to be a part of this team, please contact Curtis Terry, nurture coordinator.
DASI Thrift Store Drive Extended!
The drive has been extended through Palm Sunday! The donation box reamins in the narthex for goods to be donated to the Morning Glory Thrift and Gift Shop in Andover, which provides monetary support for the Domestic Abuse Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI). The following items will be greatly appreciated: clothes, shoes, movies, books, curtains/drapes/linens, kitchenware, garden/outdoor tools, hobby supplies, craft supplies, and jewelry or accessories. Please contact Carsen or Missy if you have any questions. Thanks!
A special thanks to those who have already donated. Your abundant gift is greatly appreciated and welcomed.
Save the Date – Annual Easter Egg Hunt:
The bunny has confirmed and we are excited to announce that Shepherd of the Hills will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt. We will gather at 1 PM in the sanctuary, do a little hunting in the yard, play some games, and help other kids know about friendship. This activity is free and open to the public.
We need some congregational help – individually wrapped candy (no peanut) for the eggs and baked goods for our hospitality area. Please check the clipboard wall for the appropriate sign up sheet.
Easter Potluck Breakfast!
Easter morning is more than jelly beans and chocolate rabbits – its about fellowship and eggs and sweet rolls! Beginning at 9 AM, we will join for a potluck breakfast made up of your favorites. We humble ask that you let us know what your donation will be so that we can fill in the gaps. Amy Mateja is the coordinator for this activity. Please contact her to indicate your contribution or hands to set up, serve, or clean up.
We Need You…
for a spring indoor/outdoor cleanup! Saturday April 18 beginning at 8:30 until we are too tired – we will shape up the outdoor property and fine tune the inside. There are projects for all skill and age levels. Please bring your hammers, paint brushes, rakes, chain saws, and pruners.
Contact the office to let us know if you’ll be able to help – you don’t have to commit a full day – we need an idea of what we should prioritize!
Hot off the presses:
Poetry from the Next Room is an anthology of poems written and published by Jim Madonna, a member of our congregation. In his experience as a teen and now young adult, his insight to life’s joys and challenges is shaped through his journey of Asperger’s Syndrome. This book will be available from the publisher in a few weeks. Please see Jim on Sundays to learn more about his process and his writing.
First Communion Preparation – Spring Edition:
Twice a year, classes are held for our fourth grade students to prepare to receive communion. This is a 5 four session class, which includes a lock-in, for the youth and their parents. If you have a child in fourth grade or feel that your child is ready to receive communion instruction, please contact Denise Roberts. The first class will begin on Monday May 5.
With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂