FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

April has arrived and hopefully with it some nicer spring weather. The end of March was busy, and I missed the newsletter deadline. As we approach Easter, may this season be a time of renewed hope and joy, reminding us of the promise of new life and the enduring love of Christ.

Our combined Lenten journey with St. John's has been going well on Wednesday evenings. It has been a time of fellowship, singing, praying, learning and self-reflection. The good news is it is not too late join us for the last two before we enetr Holy Week. Our next Wednesday service will take place at St. John's on April 2 at 6:30 PM and the last Wednesday service will be at St. Mark's on April 9. For St. Mark's dinner is served at 5:00 PM followed by the service at 6:30 PM.

Holy Week services will take place at St. Mark's beginning with our Palm Sunday service. This will be followed later in the week by Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. These two services will take place at 6:30 PM.

Participation in Holy Week services is a time of reflection of understanding the suffering, betrayal, and sorrow of Jesus went through before his triumphant rising from the dead. I believe to fully understand the awe and wonder of Easter, time needs to be taken to commemorate and pray on the events leading up to the resurrection. Each event from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his final meal with his disciples and washing their feet, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus' journey to his death on the cross are all separate chapters of Jesus' life. Hearing and learning about each helps bring us closer to understanding the full impact of Jesus' resurrection on us today.

Until next time,

Blessings,

Heather Stone