"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
St. John 20:19
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Fr. Bob joined us again for a lovely Holy Communion Service. His sermon focused on the night of the Resurrection, Easter Sunday night, when the events in the Gospel Lesson took place. That night ten of the disciples are in the upper room, behind locked doors cowering in fear when Jesus appears to them (Judas was dead and Thomas was absent for unknown reasons). For John, the whole Church was present with the Risen Christ at that moment. Fr. Bob then discusses Jesus's words to the apostles including "peace be with you" and "As the Father has sent me, so I send you". He reminded us that the Father sent Jesus into the world for one purpose: reconcile all of mankind to the love of our heavenly Father. We have been reconciled with the Father, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which gives us "atonement" . . . "at oneness" with the Father. With that atonement, we have been changed, and charged with the ministry of reconciliation. We can preach the Gospel without saying a word, in the way we live and treat others - working out the ministry of reconciliation we have been sent to do. Just as the Spirit of God breathed life into the dried bones on the plains of Esdralon, the Church needs a new outpouring of the Holy spirit, a new breath of life that only God can give in order for the Church to rise up and do the work of God - bring about reconciliation. Too much to accomplish these days with so few people? Remember there were only ten in the upper room that night!
Thank you Fr. Bob for the beautiful service!
After services, we enjoyed a light lunch downstairs. Thank you to everyone who brought food!
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Sue continues to lead our weekly online prayer group on Discord every Thursday at 2 pm (please note the online prayer group is cancelled this week as Sue is out of town). Thank you so much Sue for taking the time each week to lead our prayers! If you have a special prayer request but cannot join us, please send your request to Sue. Please contact me if you would like to join us on Discord.
Please keep Earl in your prayers this week. He is currently in the hospital with complications from a blocked bile duct. He is scheduled for a corrective procedure on Monday. Also, keep Rose Marie in your prayers as she tends to him.
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Our next Women's Bible Study starts on Wed. May 3 @ 11 am at the church. We will use "The First 24" for our study guide. This is an in depth study of Mark 1:21-45 - the first 24 hours of Jesus' public ministry. The guide is available on Amazon.
At our last Bible Study meeting Lynn and Diane sorted food collected by the Bible Study ladies for Lent. We are donating some of the food to a family in need known to Lynn's son through his business. The balance of the food will be donated to Shades of Grace. Thank you to every one who donated!
Before Bible Study, Diane and I got the ferns planted in the two big pots on either side of the door. Spring is definitely here . . .
And look what is in one of the wreaths on the front door! Please use the right door when coming in the church so as not to disturb the nest!
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