The week’s lessons are the same every year – after Jesus has risen, he goes and shows himself to the disciples, yet Thomas wasn’t present and didn’t believe his fellow disciples. For this, he gained a nickname that we still use – Doubting Thomas. Is this fair? Didn’t the other …
Maundy Thursday Texts: Exodus 12:1–4, 11–14 Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 John 13:1–17, 31b–35 Worship Servers: CPIC: Emery Malasits 1st Deacon: Ashley Mahon 2nd Deacon: Kaitlyn Ferguson Ushers: Ken Biss, Joseph Biss Good Friday Texts, 7:30 PM Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 John 18:1—19:42 Worship Servers: CPIC: …
As Holy Week continues, we enter into a time known as the Triduum, or Three Days. These days remember the mandate to serve others, the institution of communion, Jesus’ arrest & trial, and the Crucifixion. The Three Days – which is literally one three day worship service – ends with Easter …
We begin this week with a parade. Palms and clothing are laid before Jesus as he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Shouts of “Hosanna” and “Blessed is the Son of David” fill the air as Jesus passes by. The King of kings – who promises that the Kingdom of …
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 …
We live in a world that is illuminated by natural and artificial light. it’s hard to imagine living in total darkness. But even as we are able to see what’s in front of us, we often miss what’s really in front of us. We don’t often look past the visible …
Do you remember a time when you couldn’t get enough water to drink? Those of us with wells or even those on township water systems occasionally have expereinced water loss. But imagine wandering in a desert – far away from the life you had become accustomed to or having to …
The second week of Lent brings us to the Genesis encounter between Abram and God- a God who promises to bless Abram and his ancestors if Abram follows his command. And so Abram and his family pack up their household and follow God’s command – traveling and encountering folks along …
Our prayer lives are generally very personal and individual. But every Sunday, as a community, we join together to pray for the church, the world, and all of God’s people. Why? Two immediate reasons are that praying together draws us closer into community and it helps to ease the path …
We’ve discussed why we pray and what gets in the way. Now come the HOW question: How do we pray? Before we go there, however, we have to prepare the soil for prayer. We have to create space for God mentally, emotionally and physically for this connection with God to flourish. Our …