Confirmation Corner: He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Confirmation during Lent has been a new experience and journey for many, from Ash Wednesday, Confirmation Retreat, a “STAR” studded Palm Sunday with appearances from 2 soccer sport stars, Alex and Jonathan, Oscar winning Sarah Starlett from Hollywood, Jake the Politian, and even the great Al-Ben Einstein, and a Rock Star Olivia “a little out there!” We even had a protester with a sign that read Jesus is our Messiah, our King, our Star! What kind of King do you serve? Who is the King of your life? Who do you worship?

The class attended Maundy Thursday service. They carried protest signs that read to crucify Jesus, as we walked to the Sanctuary for the stripping of the altar (by members of the Worship Ministry), preparing the Sanctuary for Good Friday service. They attended Good Friday worship and participated by extinguishing the 7 candles. Then coming to Easter Sunday service the Highest Holy Day for Christians.

The CHARGE Retreat was awesome! We had a youth Sunday service at Amazing Grace and sharing our experience from the retreat at Faith Formation and a pizza lunch provided by Thrivent. A very special thank you to all of you who supported us financially and with your thoughts and prayers.

During class time we have been learning all about Lent and an emphasis on Holy week. We also have discussed the Lutherans having only 2 sacraments Baptism and Holy Communion.

Note: For those of you who challenged your knowledge last month on the parament colors on the altar. Here are the answers from last month Confirmation Corner.

Column 1 - P, P, W, P, Gold, W, Blue, W, P, W, W Column 2 - W, W, Black or None, G, W, W, G, R, R, W Hope you had fun!

Thank you! In Christ’s Peace and Love,

Pastor Greer and Julie Ambris

Pastor's Message: Why Easter Matters

“Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ”

— John 19:30

Now, if this is where our story stopped, we would not be living as people of the resurrection. We would be stunted at the crossroads, having no clue where to go and what to do. We would not know who we are or where we were going. But, thanks be to God, that is not where our story ends, that is just the beginning. God does something miraculous through Jesus Christ, so we are able to shout with joy-filled hearts on Easter Sunday, "CHRIST IS RISEN!"

“He is not here; for he has been raised.”

— Matthew 28:6

This is what we proclaim on Easter Sunday and every day following. Because of God's greatest promise, that he is not dead, but Christ lives! And through Christ's life, death and resurrection we are granted grace upon grace. Through this unfailing, unfaltering, unparalleled love, we are set free to be people of the resurrection, covered by grace and forgiven. No longer finding ourselves at a crossroads, but rather, covered in grace.

Therefore, in this grace we receive from Christ Jesus, we give God our praise and thanksgiving. For the light of Christ is found in the resurrection, we see Christ in his glory and we receive the gift of grace. We sing and we trust the light of Christ will never burn out, it will never be dim, it will not let us stumble in the darkness, no Christ's light will shine and guide our steps. This is why Easter matters. Because we are never to be forsaken, we will never be left alone to wander in the darkness. True light has come and God has done something extraordinary through Jesus Christ. God, the creator of the world and liberator of all people has brought Christ to new life, and through the resurrection of Jesus we are freed from our fears, and ignited with the light of Christ. It is through Jesus Christ that we are forgiven, set free and saved by grace. There is no greater love than this and nothing compares to this grace. Almighty God has restored humanity and in God's mercy, we are called to share this love and grace with all whom we encounter. Let the light of Christ shine in your hearts, illumine your path and guide your comings and goings so that you might always know the way, the truth and the light. Because we know this only through Jesus Christ, who is, who was and who will always be our Savior and Lord. Thanks be to God.

Remember the true meaning of Easter, which is the resurrection. As the world brings out fluffy bunnies, sweet treats and eggs, be rooted in the promises of forgiveness and grace that comes from a crucified and risen Savior. Remember that when you come to worship, we worship together, with trumpets and song a God of unparalleled love. We worship a God who gave everything so we might know the comfort and promise of grace. Remember that when the trumpets and fanfare fade away and the work week resumes that we are still covered in God's abundant grace. Remember that as we go about our daily lives and the glorious nature of Easter Sunday fades in your memory, God is still loving us and Christ still died and rose again so we might know this AMAZING GRACE! Savor the sacred moments of Holy Week and let the Holy Spirit wash over you as you worship on Easter Sunday and know that God's love is why Easter matters. Thanks be to God. I look forward to Easter Worship and the blessed sacred journey of Holy Week.

Peace,

+Pastor Greer

Easter is Coming

You're Invited to Holy Week!

April 13-16, 2017

“ See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”

— Isaiah 42:9

Maundy Thursday 

April 13
Soup Supper 6:00p.m.
Worship 7:00p.m. 
(both located in Fellowship Hall)

Good Friday 

April 14
Worship 7:00p.m. 
(located in the Sanctuary) 

 

Easter Sunday 

April 16
9:00a.m. Traditional
11:00a.m. Contemporary
(located in the Sanctuary)

Holy Week Activities

Looking for Holy Week worship services? Click here

 

Easter Egg Filling

Friday, April 14th at 11:00 AM (Learning Center) 

All middle and high school youth invited to help fill eggs!

Pizza will be provided.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 15th at 11:00 AM (Social Hall) 

A hot dog lunch will be provided.  All are welcome!

Easter Egg Candy

We need the help of our congregation to donate candy to fill our eggs.

Please place all donations on the cart in the Narthex.

Easter Continental Breakfast

Served from 9:45 - 10:45 A.M. Easter morning.

Suggested donation $3/person ALL money will go to Food For the Poor.

Please bring non perishable items for Mt. Calvary Food Pantry.