March 20

Sunday is Palm Sunday.  It is a day we celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and begin what is commonly referred to as “Holy Week,” which extends from today through Easter.  During this week we will receive new members, continue our Wednesday Lenten Music, Meditation and Lunch Series, commemorate Good Friday, hold a Saturday “Eggstravaganza” where the Good News of Jesus will be proclaimed, participate in a Saturday evening “Easter at EPiC” Worship Event, and Celebrate Easter beginning at Sunrise.   In one week the Good News of Jesus will be proclaimed meaningfully in many ways.  It is a week that shapes our identity and community together.  Check the announcements for details and service times.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem Palm Sunday, people sold him short.  They thought he would be an earthly leader of a revolt that would throw off the yoke of Roman domination.  Little did anyone know that Jesus came to overthrow sin and death and bring us close to the loving reign of God Almighty.  It was just too huge for even his disciples to grasp!  It’s huge for us today!  Today and through this week we will learn from the Gospel of Mark.  I urge you to read Mark 11-16 as part of your Holy Week devotions.  One chapter a day will prepare you for Easter.

Many thanks are in order for those who have prepared for this time.  Thanks to Nancy Marshall, Sharon Bowman and the many volunteers who prepared, served and cleaned up Lenten Lunches,  thanks to Nancy Fowler and the Worship Committee for the beautiful decorations throughout this season, thanks to Stuart Ballantyne for bringing his animals for the petting zoo and the Palm Sunday Parade, thanks to Mary Warnick for handcrafting gifts for all children who attend on Easter,  thanks to the Facilities Committee and their volunteers for sprucing up our grounds,  thanks to the choirs for preparing special music that will bring us closer to God, thanks the Children, Youth and Family Ministries Team for planning this Saturday’s Eggstravaganza among many other activities, thanks to the Mission Team for allowing us to participate in the habitat build and other projects during this season, thanks to the Outreach committee for advertising the many activities.

We are ready to celebrate a great week!  I encourage you to invite friends, neighbors and acquaintances to celebrate Holy Week at Eastminster.  Of special interest to adults is the 7 p.m. Good Friday presentation of the “Seven Last Words of Christ.”  There will be orchestration and full choirs bringing the musical message as well as communion and candlelighting to physically draw us to remembrance of Christ and loved ones.  For inviting young families I suggest the Saturday Easter Eggstravaganza which meets in the sanctuary at 10 a.m.  Invite all to Easter!  Sunrise service will be outdoors overlooking the Indian River Lagoon at 6:45 a.m.  Classic Easter worship will be at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m.  If both times are good for you and your friends, may I suggest coming at 8:45 to help balance parking and attendance?

May All have a Blessed Holy Week!

Tim