Two things I want to bring to your attention this week.
First, we are so excited about Easter worship. This will be the first time in two years we’ve been able to worship together in person on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I hope to see you there on April 17! A pancake breakfast starts at 8:30. Funds raised will go to support the Park Avenue Youth mission trip this summer.
But we begin the days leading toward Easter with (what’s traditionally known as Holy Week) with Palm/Passion Sunday on April 10. On Thursday, April 14, join us for a church-wide community potluck soup and pie dinner at 5:30, followed by a special Maundy Thursday service in the sanctuary.
For a full schedule of Holy Week, follow this link.
Second, this Sunday, we will take a special offering for Ukraine. I know we are all deeply troubled by the war in Ukraine. And I know you join me in praying for peace. Another thing we can do is help provide relief resources to refugees. According to the UN, 10 million Ukrainian people have now fled their homes. About 3.5 million are in neighboring countries. Our church is a global church, and through the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR), we can help. One hundred percent of your offering will go directly to help hurting, displaced Ukrainian people.
To read more about the history of Methodism in Ukraine, how UMCOR is responding, and the best ways for you to help now, follow this link.
And I’ve included a prayer for Ukraine just below and ask that we continue to join people from around the world in intercession.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday for worship, either in person or online. If you’re joining us online, go to the online worship page at 10 AM CST.
Breathe Love!
Pastor Gregg
A Prayer for Ukraine
by Kayla Craig
O God of peace, our hearts are heavy And our brains can barely keep up with the breaking news. We don’t know what to say or what to do in a world so wounded. So we come to you with hearts heavy for All who sit in the crossfires of violence and acts of war. O God of peace, be with the people of Ukraine. With the mothers who carry babies to subway shelters. With the fathers who hold their heads in their hands. With the children who absorb the traumas. Of violent acts of powerful men. O God of peace, we don’t know the words to pray For a warring world and all who are vulnerable in it. We don’t pretend to know the extent of the damages Or what tomorrow (or today) will bring. But we know that you are a God of peace And we can’t bomb our way to shalom. O God of peace, comfort the crying and heal the hurt. Tend the aching and soothe the fearful. Make us instruments of your peace Creating a sacred symphony where Rhythms of grace are danced upon And evil has lost its sting, now and forevermore. O God of peace, hear our prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
