Dear Friends in Christ,
This coming Sunday we will celebrate what is traditionally known as "Palm Sunday," so called because of the palm branches that were spread on the ground in honor of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. However, in more recent times, the Church has often referred to this Sunday as the "Sunday of the Passion." This new emphasis grew out of the recognition that since most Christians do not attend Good Friday services, they never get to hear the full story of Christ's Passion: his Last Supper with the disciples, his betrayal by one of his own, his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial and public humiliation, and his crucifixion. Jesus didn't get to the Resurrection without first going through the cross, so it doesn't seem quite right that we should jump straight to Easter without first hearing the story of what led up to that first Easter! It's vital that you and I know the story of Christ's Passion, because it is the story of our faith. That's why we will have a dramatic reading of the Passion of Our Lord at both worship services this coming Sunday. Come and hear for yourself how Mark the Evangelist tells the story of the Passion of our Lord (Mark 14:1-15:47).
Prayer of the Day
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Announcements:
Please join us for the last Wednesday evening soup supper and Holden Evening Prayer, tomorrow night, April 1, at 5:45 (soup) and 6:30-7 (worship), (and that's "no foolin'! ).
· Holy Week and Easter Schedule: Palm Sunday, April 5; Maundy Thursday, April 9, 7 pm, Holy Communion; Good Friday, April 10, 12-6 pm = Stations of the Cross, 7 pm = worship; Easter, April 12.
· This Sunday, April 5th, we will honor the Call Committee between services, and we will have a congregational Town Hall Meeting to share information about the budget and other matters.
· April 19th will be my last Sunday here at Shepherd of the Valley.
· April 26th Pastor John Cross from Kairos will lead worship; May 3rd Pastor Al Solmonson will lead worship; May 10th Pastor Fred Ruhnke will preach.
· May 10th Pastor Randy Schutt will worship with the people of SOV. His first day in the office will be Tuesday, May 12th. He will lead worship and preach on May 17th.
· Mark your calendars for the installation service for Pastor Randy, which will be held Sunday, June 7th at 3 pm. This will be a wonderful celebration, as the people of SOV will be joined by Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke, Assistant to the Bishop Susan Kintner, and many laypeople and clergy members from the wider community.
· June 14th is the date for SOV's annual meeting. It will be held following the second service.
Remember in prayer:
Prayers for strength for all who are caring for the elderly;
Prayers that all who are unemployed and underemployed may find meaningful employment;
Prayers for guidance and peace for all who are struggling with relationship issues;
Prayers for safety, wisdom and health for our military personnel.
