Brothers and sisters, March 29 marks the beginning of Holy Week. Please note the schedule below. I encourage you to take time throughout the week to read through the four gospel writers’ accounts of Jesus Passion, His suffering and death. We do so, not to feel pity for Jesus, but to realize the cost of our sin. By His suffering and death you are free from sins condemnation and God’s curse of eternal death and separation from Him.
There will be no service, Wednesday. Maundy Thursday service with communion will be at 6:30pm on Thursday April 2. We will have two services on Good Friday– noon to 12:40 for those who can attend during lunch, and at 6:30pm Friday April 3. Invite your friends and co-workers.
Next Sunday April 5 we gather to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. There will be breakfast at 9:00, followed by an abbreviated Sunday School and Bible class at 9:30, and an egg hunt at 10. Worship is at 10:30. Please explain our communion practice to any visitors.
You should also know that preparations for the May 2 German Sausage Dinner (GSD) have begun. Please look for the publicity flyer posted on Facebook.
The March 29 service may seem confusing. It will begin with St. John’s account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Sunday to celebrate the Passover festival. At the end of the service, for the benefit of those who can’t attend the weekday services, we will read from St. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion which happened five days later. We thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice, and we intend to prepare our hearts to celebrate His victory over death. He offers to share that victory with you if you will follow Him.
Hymns chosen for Palm Sunday (some refer to the day as Passion Sunday) are #443 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna; #441 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty; 634 The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; and #429 We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died.
Scripture readings include John 12:12-19; Psalm 31:9-16; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 27:15-66.
Jesus, the only one who is true God and true Man, served you by taking upon Himself the punishment you deserve for your sinful nature. And not just for you, but for the whole world. Jesus was separated from God His Father so you could be joined with Him. Jesus died so you could live. Connected with Jesus you can stand before God forgiven. As the prophet Isaiah says it, (50:9) “Behold, the Lord God helps me; Who will declare me guilty?” On the Last Day every person will bow before Jesus and call Him Lord, some willingly and joyfully, others in fear as He judges them and declares their eternal punishment. Please don’t ignore what Jesus has gained for you.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the schedules or the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
