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| News
(Updated 3-24-2013)
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| MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP |
The annual Maundy-Thursday worship service will
be held on Thursday, March 28th at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
of the church. Maundy Thursday worship is a contemplative
service of scripture readings, anthems, hymns,
and instrumental and vocal music which commemorates
the power and passion of the Last Supper, and includes
the sharing of communion. All in the church family are
encouraged to participate in this powerful worship service
as we are called to continue our journey with Christ even
in these difficult hours during Holy Week. Immediately
following Maundy Thursday worship, the church will
enter into the 40 hour prayer vigil.
Child care for Maundy Thursday worship is available,
beginning at 7:00 p.m. |
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| TOGETHER TO THE CROSS |
The community Lenten services continue
at noon on Wednesday, through March 27. The worship service concludes
by 12:35 with a fellowship lunch provided afterwards for
$5.00. An offering will be taken at each service to benefit
Among Friends, which provides a safe and friendly
place for adults with special needs. Everyone is invited
to attend the services as we journey Together to the
Cross.
- March 27th – Alameda Church of Christ. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”
Rev. Dr. Wade Smith, First Baptist Church,
preaching
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ANNUAL EASTER OFFERING BEGINS THIS SUNDAY |
The next two Sundays, Palm Sunday and Easter
Sunday, we will receive the Easter Offering. This special
offering supports the General Ministries of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ).
In John 10:10b, Jesus says, “I came that they may
have life and have it abundantly.” In the spirit of the
scripture, the General Ministries serve across the U.S.,
Canada and throughout the world through far-reaching
and unique organizations. The General Ministries address
broad areas of work, central administrative functions, and
specialized study and services to meet the responsibilities
of the church in its mission of witness and service to the
world. A few of the ministries that receive support from
the Easter offering include: Church Extension, Disciples
Home Missions, Division of Overseas Ministries/Global
Ministries, and Higher Education and Leadership Ministries.
Because of the work of these ministries, the Bolenge
Hospital was built in the Congo and through continued
support it has grown so that it now treats over 16,000
patients annually, including care for HIV/Aids related
illnesses, early childhood care, and prenatal care. In rural
Vidala, India, young women have experienced gender
inequality, denied both education and the opportunity of
self-fulfillment. After receiving support from the Global
Ministries, the Shumaker School of Nursing was built
making it possible for young women of India to move
past these limitations.
Gifts to the Easter Offering ensure that the General
Ministries continue to serve around the world providing
the opportunity for all of God’s people to share in His
abundance. |
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| EASTER LILIES |
As is tradition, the church sanctuary will be decorated
with lilies on Easter Sunday morning. The Easter lilies
have been pre-purchased by the church. If you would like
to purchase a lily, you may call or come by the church
office to complete a form indicating for whom the lily is
dedicated. A list of dedications will be included in the
Norman Christian the week following Easter. The cost of
the Easter lily is $12.00, and you may pay by cash or with
a check made out to First Christian Church, indicating in
the memo line the check is for the purchase of an Easter
lily. Thank you. |
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| PRAYER VIGIL |
The annual prayer vigil will soon be here, as the
church enters into 40 hours of prayer following the
Maundy-Thursday worship service on March 28th, and
concluding at noon on Saturday March 30th. Sign up
continues for 30 minute time slots for prayer either in the
chapel or in your home—with a special need for late
Friday night through early Saturday morning. (Note,
the church provides security thanks to Weston Sterling
beginning Friday evening sundown through Saturday
morning sunrise). You may sign up by calling the church
office (329-2192) during the week, and a table will be in
the Gallery for the next two Sundays so that you may
select a time to participate in the prayer vigil. Thank you. |
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| EASTER BRUNCH |
Remember the annual Easter brunch, hosted by the
Membership Department, which will be held during the
Church School hour, beginning at 9:45 on Easter Sunday
morning, March 31st. Fruit, pastries, coffee, orange
juice, and water will be provided for all in the Fellowship
Hall—so plan to stay for breakfast after the 8:40 service
or plan to come for breakfast before the 10:45 service on
Easter Sunday. |
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| GRIEF SUPPORT |
A grief support group will meet for the first time on Monday, August 20th, 7:00 p.m. in the church library. If you are experiencing grief following the death of a loved one, however long ago it may have been (although we encourage waiting at least six weeks before joining the group), you are invited to be a part of the support group. The group is open to anyone in the community, but attendance must begin by the second session. For more information or any questions, contact Harry Smith or Shae Keen at 579-8565. |
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| COLLEGE |
We will resume college activities with lunch and
Newsroom at regular times on Sunday, April 7. Happy
Easter! |
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| VOYAGE INTO DiscipleSHIP |
Good Friday? Why do we call it Good Friday? It doesn’t seem like a good
thing to me! Jesus was taken before the Governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned
him, and then eventually sent him to be crucified. Jesus was beaten,
nailed to the cross and he died. WHAT PART OF THIS IS GOOD?? Some say
it gets its name from “God’s Friday” the day God showed his love in a most
amazing way, by allowing his Son to die for us. Others say it is more aptly
named Holy Friday, not so much “good” but a very holy day. Still it is hard to
see Jesus Crucifixion as “good.” What we can find “good” about Good Friday is
that because of the death of Christ, as terrible as it was, it led to the Resurrection
on Easter Sunday … and that is Good News!
Come and see the Good News this week, which is Palm Sunday!! Be sure
to be here for Sunday School to practice with the Palms before we help with Jesus
Triumphant entry into Jerusalem! See ya Sunday! |
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