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During this Lenten season, the Sunday texts have pointed us to consider how we embody the life that Jesus came to reveal to us. How can we in our everyday lives embody love, grace, and reconciliation? During the last Fun and Learning, some of us gathered to hear an address Walter Brueggemann gave at the General Synod of our church in June. In this speech, Brueggemann reminded us that God loves three things: steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. It is the task of the church to embody and shape its life around these three attributes.
In a few short weeks, we will gather in awe and wonder before an empty tomb. In the face of something that seems all too real, death, we will celebrate God’s gift of new life and God’s victory over death. One of the results of Easter is that we have been freed from the old ways that lead to death and called to live in the ways that lead to life. That is a challenging call and it is also an invitation to struggle. The struggle involves bringing the life that was in Jesus into our lives and our world. The struggle involves shaping our lives as individuals and as a church community around steadfast love, justice and righteousness. It means embracing God’s ways as ours.
As we continue on the road to Jerusalem, may we all be aware of the life God offers and may we seize hold of it. For in this manner, by trusting, new life and hope is born again into our world.
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HOLY WEEK SERVICES
This year, there are a number of opportunities for us to get together and worship during Holy Week. Please join us as we remember the events that lead up to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Palm Sunday: Sunday, March 16 - In addition to our worship services here at the Congregational Church ( 8:30 and 10:30), we will have a community Palm Sunday Service at the Tryon Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. One of our beloved community leaders, the Rev. Tony Sayer, will preach the sermon.
Maundy Thursday: Thursday, March 20 - Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall in the Congregational Church for our Maundy Thursday service. The service will be built around a light meal of soup and bread. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. Please call the church office if you plan to attend, so we will have enough food for everyone.
Good Friday: Friday, March 21 - The community Good Friday service will be held this year at the Congregational Church. The service will begin at 12 noon. Come and join us as we hear Matthew 26 and 27, as we sing, and as we meditate.
Easter: Sunday, March 23 - Plan to join us as we celebrate the good news of resurrection and new life! 7:00 am we will start the day with a sunrise service at the Meeske home. See the weekly bulletin for details. Our traditional Easter services will be at 8:30 and 10:30.
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INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
If you are interested in joining the Congregational Church UCC, please let the pastor know. All are welcome to become part of this faith community.
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