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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A grief support group will meet for the first time on Monday, August 20^th, 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.

We will resume college activities with lunch and Newsroom at regular times on Sunday, April 7. Happy Easter!

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!