Pastor's Corner
The mild winter this year may have taken away some of our excitement and anticipation of the coming Spring; however, the calendar reminds us that Spring is just around the corner bringing with it the promise of new growth and greenery. Yet even more important than the greening of our mountains and flowering of our fields is the coming of the most Holy Season of the year – Easter.
The annual remembrance of the saga of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and glorious resurrection is the center piece of our faith. The events of Holy Week and Easter are foundational to our understanding of who we are as Christian people. For without the cross there would be no forgiveness of sin. Without the resurrection there would be no eternal life. In these mysterious, yet glorious moments God demonstrated His great love for all peoples.
At our weekly Lenten dinners this year, we have been reflecting on Adam Hamilton’s book 24 Hours That Changed the World. Holy Week provides us the opportunity to experience for ourselves these 24 hours by gathering as a community of faith to remember these events in worship and song. This year we have many opportunities to join together as a congregation, as well as with our sisters and brothers from area churches, to remember and celebrate the mystery Christ’s passion and resurrection. Our special services and activities include:
Palm Sunday April 1
| Worship w/ Children’s Program (including Street Parade Following) | 11:00 a.m. |
| Gospel Sing at Moorefield Church of God | 6:00 p.m. |
24 Hours That Changed the World
| Maundy Thursday Service w/ Holy Communion | 7:00 p.m. |
| Good Friday Service – The Passion in Word and Song | 7:00 p.m. |
Easter Sunday April 8
| Sunrise Service at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery | 7:00 a.m. |
| Easter Resurrection Celebration | 11:00 a.m. |
Come experience the mystery of Christ’s passion and the glory of the Resurrection anew with us this year. Allow the promise of new life in Christ to bloom in your heart along with the flowers. You will be glad you did.
May the Peace and Power of the Resurrected Christ be yours this Easter.
Rev. Dr. Jay D. Parkins, Pastor