datebookEaster Greetings to my community of friends at New Creation.

Jesus’ resurrection is the highest holy day of our Christian year. I know, Christmas gets a lot more attention in the media, but Easter is what makes us Christian. Jesus showed that God had power over death and all our fears. We are set free to live forgiven and loving lives in service to others. We are free to be blessings to strangers! What better news is there than you have been blessed with unconditional forgiveness and love to share?

The days around Easter are also the busiest time of the Christian calendar. Each of you are encouraged to walk in Jesus’ steps his last week before crucifixion; to feel the tension rising, and the deep wounding by his followers as well as the religious authorities and the Roman soldiers. So, I would like to give you a quick overview of this week to come and beyond.

Palm Sunday (last Sunday), began the walk with Jesus into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday, March 28th , is a day to remember how Jesus washed his followers’ feet before he fed them with the bread and wine of new life. This evening is also our community’s time to participate in teaching our confirmation students the meaning of Holy Thursday, by attending the worship service at 7:30 pm. Your presence makes a difference.

Good Friday, March 29th, is the day we observe Jesus torture and death with meditative services at noon and 7:30 pm.

EASTER morning, March 31st,

  • Sunrise celebration at 6:30 am
  • Celebration service 10:30 am

At 9:30 there is a buffet of finger foods – like hot cross buns, cut fruit, muffins, juice, deviled or hard boiled eggs or whatever you might like to contribute to the feast. Just be sure to bring it by 9:30 for a time of conversation before the worship service (no kitchen use, please – this is just a simple “continental breakfast”). Around 11:30 there is an Easter egg hunt for younger children – and a special location for the pre-school and younger children.

Post Easter, April 7th , WORSHIP TIME CHANGES!!!! Back to 10:00 am. Then there will be acommunity potluck/BBQ. The church will provide the chicken and hotdogs, and you all may bring whatever you would like to supplement.

My prayers will be with each of you as my prayer partners in mission together as we walk in the sandals of Jesus to victory over fear and worry. May you take your deepest longings and burdens to God in prayer and to your prayer partner. And may your hearts be generous in your offerings so that we may thrive in our ministry together.

Pastor Anne