Join us on April 6, for one service at the 9:30am as we enjoy the music and message of Jesus Christ Super Star! Due to copyright concerns, this service will not be livestreamed; so plan on joining us in person and bring your friends, for this special musical service!
Holy Week & Easter Services:
Palm Sunday – The Passion—Sun., April 13 – 8:15 & 10:30am
Procession & Blessing of the Palms, Passion Reading & Holy Communion – Sanctuary
9:15am – Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt: Welcome Center
Maundy Thursday—April 17 at 7:00pm:
Preaching, Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar – Sanctuary
Good Friday—April 18, 2019 – Services at noon & 7:00pm:
Passion Reading with music, poetry & video clips in the Sanctuary
APRIL 20th—EASTER SUNDAY/ THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
SUNRISE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION— 6:30am – front lawn
FESTIVAL SERVICES OF HOLY COMMUNION—8:15 & 10:30am in the Sanctuary
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, April 21st.
Lenten Devotionals are still available on the tables in the narthex & at the 6th Ave. entrance. You may also read the devotions on “Morning Grace” at allisonwilcox.com. or enjoy an e-reader version of the Lenten Devotional that is available. Please contact the church office to have the link emailed to you.
As we study these scriptures, we are struck by how Jesus’ ministry was rooted in relationships that disrupted the established social, political, and religious divides of his time. As modern readers, we sometimes lose the “shock factor” behind Jesus’ words, as his teaching tactics likely felt extreme for those in his context. He describes a stigmatized Samaritan as a good neighbor. He emphasizes the value of 1 sheep in a herd of 100. He dines with a tax collector who amassed wealth through extortion. While dying on the cross, he tells a convicted criminal he will soon find paradise. In these narratives, Jesus intentionally highlights the cultural and political polarities of his time to emphasize the radical, inclusive, & surprising love of God. When we study these stories in their historical and cultural context, we see how they mirror the cultural and political divides many of us experience in our families, churches, and communities today.
This series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Each weekly sub-theme explores two supposed binaries, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” We often consider these ideas to be opposing. However, as we explore these concepts within the scriptures, we find nuance and complexity. We find that these dichotomies are false. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of black and white. We might find that God is present in between.
And so, this season, we invite you to look beyond black and white binaries and easy answers. We encourage you to notice the dichotomies that define our lives, but also imagine where God might be meeting us beyond the categories we create. This theme may resonate with anyone who is in discernment or trying to find their way through an undefined space. It will speak to anyone who feels as if they are living in a divided world. It is for those who seek a spiritual life that engages with complexity instead of avoiding it. This Lent, we’re trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between.
© A SANCTIFIED ART | SANCTIFIEDART.ORG
EASTER FLOWERS: Last Sunday to Order! We’re taking orders for Easter flowers to beautify our Sanctuary for Easter Sunday. It’s a great way to remember or honor a loved one or friend. Please fill out the form found on the information tables at 6th Ave. & in the Narthex & return it with payment by Sun., March 30th.
Deacon Allison’s Daily Prayer Devotions are back! Check them out at allisonwilcox.com, to start your day, get a boost in the middle of the day or end your day on a positive, prayer note.
Join Judy Stryker’s book group at 9:15am Sunday mornings, in the Parlor. With a study on “Women of the Bible”. All are welcome to join!
Youth News!!
G.R.A.C.E Place will not meet in April due to one service on 4/6 & Easter. Join us for the Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, 4/13 at 9:30, in the Welcome Center.
Mark your calendars now and join us for VBS from July 13th – July 17th on an Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains. racing rivers & glistening glaciers pointing you towards Jesus, learning he is a faithful friend that can always be trusted and is your True North.
Calling all volunteers!!!!! We are looking for volunteers for VBS this summer and would love for your help. If you are interested and want to learn more on how you can help please email: cey.graceluthrn@gmail.com
Save the Date for a Lorraine’s Hearing Fund Fundraiser–this fund provides financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with a hearing impairment.
WHEN: Thursday, May 8th HOURS: 10 am – 9 pm
WHERE: Giovani’s Pizza & Restaurant, 466 Main Street, Royersford, PA
Why cook when you can have lunch, a date night, or a meal out with family and friends. Have someone else cook & clean up while helping to raise money for a great cause. A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to LHF.
Caring Crafters meet on Wednesdays, in the All Purpose Room, 10-11:30am
Our group does simple crafts in service to our church community. We make & send cards to our homebound, Grace staff or Grace family members.
Color to relax or bring any crafts you may be working on! We finish each session with prayers for our family, country & members at Grace.
If you have some time, on a Wednesday morning, join us for crafts, fellowship & friendship. All ages are welcome. Come when you can. We don’t take attendance!!
Join us for continued socializing with lunch at our local diner afterwards! Questions?? call Sue Perry or the church office.
In response to a question at the annual meeting… If you want to make scheduled contributions to the church without using Simply Giving, that charges 2.75% on the amount of each donation, simply do online banking with your financial institution. You can select a frequency of weekly, monthly, or annual, along with the date of the transaction. I’ve done this with my bank for more than 10 years without any fees. It is quite easy & you can to make changes any time desired. Last year Grace was charged more than $700 for donations through Simply Giving. Feel free to reach out to me at Council President, Kurt Meyers with questions or concern.
