FRIDAY from FIRST! 3/22/2019 |
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Engaging with God, each other, & the world to offer Christ |
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Third Sunday in Lent: When Bad Things Happen The fancy theological term is "theodicy" - it refers to that question, "How can a good and loving God let bad things happen to people, especially people who love God and seek to follow in Christ's footsteps?" In the first century, people assumed that bad things happened as punishment for sin, and people who enjoyed blessings must have done something good to deserve it. Once again, Jesus flips our human viewpoint on its head as he calls all of us to repentance. It's no accident that the Old Testament reading assigned for this Sunday comes from the prophet Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord." Join us for worship at 9:30 AM this Sunday. |
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CONFIRMATION STUDENTS AND MENTORS:
SCHEDULE UPDATE
Per the group's decision last Sunday, we will meet in the Centennial Room right after worship this Sunday, instead of March 31. The session takes one hour - the sooner everyone is upstairs, the sooner we can begin. Confirmands, we can give you a ride afterward, so your parents don't have to wait for you! |
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LENTEN STUDY Listen to Him:
40 Steps on the Road to Resurrection There is still time to join us on the journey! Read the daily Lenten devotional on Luke's gospel - you can follow the book, or have the readings and reflections e-mailed to you each day from Seedbed.com - and listen as Jesus speaks into your life. The readings take on deeper meaning when you commit to discussing them in a group, either Wednesday evenings after the meal & worship, or Tuesday at 7:45 AM with the Lord's Laborers. |
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You could even invite a few friends to form your own group! Let's engage in God's Word together as we Listen to Him. It's never too late to begin this Lenten spiritual practice. NOTE: Nursery care for children ages 0-3 is provided on Wednesday evenings! |
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Encourage your friends to join you for Holy Week at First Church! Palm Sunday 9:30 AM April 14, 2019 Join in the palm processional or wave your palm branch from beside the way! We follow Jesus from Bethany, down across the Kidron Valley, and into Jerusalem. |
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Maundy Thursday
5:30 PM April 18, 2019 Join us in Fellowship Hall for supper, followed by Communion while we are still seated at the table. We welcome the Oakwood congregation to this meal, as together we contemplate what it means to dip into the same dish as Jesus. |
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Good Friday
7:00 PM April 19, 2019 The Service of Tenebrae (Shadows) takes us through the story of Jesus' betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. |
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As the shadows lengthen, you may choose to be anointed with myrrh, to carry the fragrance of Christ's death with you. We 'strip the chancel,' removing every symbol from the worship space except the Cross, which is draped in black cloth. We leave in silence, awaiting Resurrection. From now through Holy Saturday, the church remains silent and dark. |
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Resurrection Sunday Worship 9:30 AM April 21, 2019 There's an Easter Egg hunt for the children and we will welcome new members during Easter worship! Carol Larson will join us on organ, and Sarah Smith on flute as we celebrate the risen Lord with songs of praise - Easter people, raise your voices! |
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Looking Ahead: The Victory Vertical Project A Lecture-Recital About Submarines and Steinways • Music and Morale • Pianos and Patriotism Presented by Garik Pedersen, pianist 7 PM Saturday, June 15, 2019 First United Methodist Church |
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COMING SOON! 3/30 Community Breakfast and Blessed Bottoms Diaper Giveaway 4/18 Maundy Thursday supper and Communion 5:30 PM 4/19 Good Friday Tenebrae (service of shadows) 7:00 PM 4/21 Resurrection Sunday! Welcome new members, Easter Egg Hunt 6/15 Victory Vertical Project Concert with Gary Pederson |
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I'm praying for you, Church! Pastor Jo Anne |
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