Easter Letter — 2013
Dear Church Family,
Dramatic presentations of the Bible are nothing new. For centuries, actors have portrayed Bible
stories, and now most recently, there is a ten hour television series on the
History Channel, called The Bible. They do an admirable job, and I
encourage you to watch it. This Easter
we will portray one event in the Bible as depicted in a famous painting. At the front of our sanctuary is a copper
tooled picture of Leonardo da Vinci’s mural, “Last Supper.” This painting has appeared on everything from
mirrors to mouse pads, to musical pillows.
If Leonardo were still around, he would be earning plenty on licensing
fees alone.
This painting, while not an exact representation of the text is, at its
heart, a story rooted in the truth of God rescuing humanity. This truth, while controversial, is vital for
our world. The Bible tells us that where there is no revelation of God, the
people live as they please. (Proverbs 29:18)
Maybe you have noticed, as I have, that when left on our own, we do not
make great life choices. As with the
producers of the TV series, I see a crisis of faith in our community and an
opportunity for the church to impact a lost world!
This Easter season, as we remember and celebrate our redemption through
the sacrifice of Jesus, we are going to focus on the depth of meaning within
the “Last Supper.” It’s more than a
famous painting. It’s an inclusion by
Jesus Christ of his followers in his imminent death and resurrection.
Christ in the Passover: This meal that
Jesus shared with his disciples was connected to an ancient commemoration of
God’s rescue of his people from slavery.
Jesus places himself as the redeemer, and his followers as the
redeemed. We will celebrate “Christ in
the Passover” together on Monday
evening, March 25, at 6:00 pm. We will
follow the ancient Seder traditions and see how they connect with freedom in
Christ. We will also enjoy a meal
together as part of the evening.
Last Supper “Living Picture”: On Good Friday, March 29, at 11:00 am, we
will witness a presentation of da Vinci’s famous painting. Thirteen characters will give their version
of what is happening as Jesus prepares to die for the sins of the world. Then, all of us will have the opportunity to
share the bread and cup together in recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and
in symbolic partnership of our death to sin and new life in him.
Easter Sunday Celebration: Easter
Sunday is always a great celebration of all that Jesus Christ brings into a
hurting world. He offers what our soul
craves: a longing for intimacy; a longing for destiny; a longing for
meaning. Sunday morning is our time
to grab that reality with both hands. We
will start with a really great breakfast at 9:00 am. Then we will meet for our Resurrection
Celebration at 10:45. This is a
family of God gathering you don’t want to miss!
Plan to join us. Stay close to
Jesus!
Pastor Vernon Vickruck
The Back Page
Baptism: Are you, or is someone you know,
interested in being Baptised this June?
Talk to Pastor Vernon about classes that will start soon after Easter.
As we consider Christ’s total sacrifice for us, there are some matters
in which we can be involved that enhance our ministry in the community. As you consider your Easter Offering gift this year, here are some items to consider:
As part of our 250th Anniversary
Celebrations, we would really like to pay off the mortgage on our ministry
facilities. We only owe $100,000 and we
believe we can do more effective ministry when we no longer need to make
monthly payments.
Again this year we are hosting the “Kids to Camp”
Ball Hockey Tournament — which sends community kids to Camp Wildwood. As this is for kids outside our church, more
donations help more kids learn about Jesus. (April 26-27)
Finally, all of the ministries in which we engage are
made possible by our congregational partnership. You are part of our outreach to the community
by your volunteer hours, your prayers, and by your financial support. As we studied this past year, we must live
generous lives. We must learn to be open-handed Christians in a tight-fisted
world. Your giving to our general
budget is vital for our influence in the community.
Prayerfully consider where God would have you
give this year, not out of compulsion or guilt, but cheerfully, giving thanks
to God who has provided for you.
Calendar of Events
Christ in the Passover: Monday, March 25, 6:00 pm.
Good Friday: Living Picture Theatre of the Last Supper,
11:00 am.
Easter Sunday: Breakfast at 9:00 am.
Celebration
at 10:45 am
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