Holy Week Worship Update
Maundy Thursday
This service will include the opportunity to receive Holy Communion. This is a new challenge for us...offering communion "remotely."
Our 20 Community Care Group leaders are picking up communion elements that I (Pastor Steve) have blessed/consecrated as part of our recorded worship service. These Group Leaders will be bringing the communion elements to your homes today (Wednesday) or on Thursday.
I would ask, if possible, that you wait to receive communion until you can do so as part of the online worship experience (i.e. if you receive the communion cups today, wait until you have watched the online service to take communion...and if you don't get the communion elements today, consider waiting to watch the online worship service until they arrive). We would like communion and worship to be integrated together as much as possible.
We are doing this because we highly value the sacrament of Holy Communion but also want to offer it in a safe, law abiding and "theologically correct" manner.
You group leader will place the elements at or near your doorstep.
They will then ring your doorbell or knock on your door before stepping back to a safe distance (which might be their vehicle).
They will wave and likely offer you a word of welcome from this safe distance before moving to their next destination. They probably won't be able to engage in a long conversation because of the many homes they are delivering to and because of our desire to keep everyone safe.
I'm looking forward to celebrating Holy Communion with you even if it will be "remotely."
Easter Sunday
I will share a message from Mark 16:1-8 (known as the short ending of Mark's Gospel) this Sunday...with plans to share a 2nd Easter/Resurrection message the first Sunday we're able to gather together in the sanctuary from Mark 16:9-20 (the longer ending of Mark's Gospel).
This Sunday's "simple Easter" service will be powerful...because the Resurrection of Jesus is powerful!
Our "Big Easter" celebration, complete with choirs, bells, breakfast, egg hunt and more will also be powerful in that we will once again be celebrating the Resurrection of Christ while also celebrating a resurrection of corporate worship!
I can't wait!