A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
-Matthew 21:8-10
Beloved of Christ,
Palm Sunday is almost here, we are about to mark the start of the week which defines our faith. As we experience again, the joyful parade into Jerusalem, a solemn supper with close friends, begging for a different way and the shocking death on a cross of our Lord Jesus, confronted and comforted by the reality that Christ truly has been at the highs and lows of life, and we are shaped as people of faith. Last week in worship Rev. Richard challenged us all to come out to all of this week’s worship events and today we want to echo that call. Holy week is busy and full AND vital to enter to truly connect with the power of Easter!
Don’t miss out on these church events this week and in the week to come:
Services of Healing and Release: Wednesday April 17th @ 7:30. As we journey through life we pick up wounds of the spirit and soul. As we hike the road of life our bodies bear the scars of our journey. These services are designed to offer ways to release the emotional and psychological wounds that we carry with us and seek wholeness-healing within our Saviour. This service will include music, prayer, an opportunity to light a candle for our concerns and to be anointed with healing oil.
-Reflective bible study: The bible speaks in many ways, one way is by what resonates for us. Join Eric as he leads a reflective bible study based on an ancient way of letting the Holy Spirit speak through our scriptures. This Sunday the reading will be Matthew 21:1-17. Following the study, there will be a prayer group until 10:20 am. Come for one or both, absolutely everyone welcome!
-Lenten online Bible Study: Join Rev. Richard for the final Lenten online study. This Monday at 7:30 p.m. we will be reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10. The link to the study is https://zoom.us/j/280179122 and you can check any time before the meeting to make sure your computer/phone/tablet works. Just make sure the sound is turned on.
Lenten Lunch Recital is happening this Wednesday April 17th 12:10-12:50pm featuring Spirituals by the Vocal Collective, and Organ works by Dr. Sharon Pond and a Pedal Extravaganza by Leo Sowerby.
-Thursday April 18th at 10am Join Rev. Richard at Windsor Court as we take worship on the road to retirement homes. All are welcome to help remind those who can’t get out that we at St. Paul’s still care.
Looking ahead:
On Easter Sunday we will be launching a new congregational wide practice that will help our congregation to dig deeper into our faith and integrate our faith into our lives. This daily practice has 5 steps and can take between 5-15 minutes. Our goal is to have everyone in the congregation participating, come next Sunday for all the details….Just think about how God will use us as we grow together!
ATTENTION PARENTS LOOKING FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS: Vacation Bible School is changing! St. Paul’s and Wilmot are partnering to host FULL DAY programming. From July 22-27, our Vacation Bible School will be running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The dates are firm, and pre-registration will open soon. Cost for registration is by free-will offering.
Holy Week worship Reminder:
Holy Week Services:
Wave Palms this Sunday, April 14th@10:30 AM
Maundy Thursday (Wilmot): Thursday, April 18th @6:00 PM
Good Friday be blessed by Muriel’s singing as we follow Christ to the Cross: Friday, April 19th@10:30 AM
Sunrise Service (Pedway): Sunday, April 21st @ 7:00 AM with breakfast to follow @ Wilmot United Church
Easter Communion: Sunday, April 21st @ 10:30 AM
Good Friday
Join us in person or online at 10:30 a.m. on Friday April 19th @ St. Paul’s United as we walk those final steps with Christ to the cross. (remember to bring your stones with you) For those tuning in from home or away, the link to join is https://zoom.us/j/111903741
And catch our services online as we continue streaming worship despite some technical hiccups. Follow the links to join in: is https://zoom.us/j/280179122.You should be able to hear the worship service and see what is on the screens. If you have feedback on your experience email: rev.bowley@outlook.com
As we take these last steps of Lent, as we see the shadow of the cross looming on the horizon, we raise our palms to welcome Christ into our city, into our lives. We hail him as King, the one who will lead and free us. In these last days of Lent, we ask who is this man and where is he leading us. And as he rides by we experience hope and promise and so we follow.
God of the way, help us to follow where you lead, Help us not to look away from the glory that is yours and the way of life, joyful life, you proclaim. Nor let us hide from the reality that this vision comes at a cost. Keep us close and help us to follow you even when the way is difficult and we are called to sacrifice. For you are the King of Kings, the ruler of all, the beginning and the end, so today help us to celebrate your presence among us, your spirit with us, bringing us to life. Amen.
Yours in Christ
Rev. Michelle and Rev. Richard.
Our bulletin for this Sunday is also available for download from here.