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Easter Service Good Friday Love One Another Stewardship Upcoming... 100 Days Lenten Prayer Prayer Requests
Good Friday |
As we were reminded Maundy Thursday, the powerful message of Christ's new commandment is that we love one another, and this is a love of action—not an emotion or warm feeling. In the last several weeks we have been collecting food for the Mukendente family from Rwanda. We have known these dear friends for a number of years and we continue to stand with them as they assimilate to life here in the States. We can assist them, certainly, but they have much to teach us, as well.
Thank you for your faithful giving to Kingdom work through Church of the Redeemer. God is blessing in many ways, providing employment and other provision as we pray together as His people. At Easter, as we celebrate the glorious Resurrection, we respond in the giving of our lives to God, in renewed commitment and devotion. May God continue to provide the resources for all He is calling us to, as we openly respond out of gratitude.
On Tuesday, April 7th, the nation of Rwanda began a period of mourning and observance on the 15th anniversary of the genocide that took up to a million lives. This will last for 100 days—the same period of time in which the killings occurred. Church of the Redeemer is partnered with St. Michael's, a parish in the northern area of Rwanda. St. Michael's serves a town in the Shyira Diocese and is also the chapel for Sonrise School. As they enter a deep season of prayer and ministry we want to stand with them, and the entire nation. Please be praying for the leaders, especially in the Anglican Church of Rwanda, to whom we look for our spiritual covering.
Our children have been praying for the church during the season of Lent, and they have created collages using the prayer request papers that have been coming in over the past several weeks. Also, this week families worked to create Easter banners to assist our congregation in celebration.
Both of these will be on display in the sanctuary this Sunday.
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Although you're likely reading this before Easter, there is an atmosphere of expectancy and anticipation as we approach the empty tomb. We have walked the long journey of Lent and the deep road of Holy Week, and our sense is that Easter is coming none too soon. So let's press in together to see that the tomb is empty, and proclaim that He is Risen. Invite those to join you this Sunday morning who need to find that good news in their lives, as well.
Bring bells to 'ring in' the new season of celebration and joy.
It's a strange thing that we call this a 'good' day that marks Jesus' crucifixion. It may be that it was once called God Friday, and that the words got mixed up. In other languages the day is rendered as Holy Friday, or Mourning Friday. But this day of darkness makes it possible for God's goodness and mercy to be ushered in to our lives.
Mark your calendars now and spread the word that our 9am hour will return for a few weeks in early May in order to encourage our families. Dr. Perry Downs, Professor of Educational Ministries at Trinity, will teach on "Parenting Teens". Perry has been at Trinity since 1976 and is known around the world as one of the key figures in Christian education. His book on Teaching for Spiritual Growth is a classic, and he has taught many of the educators now serving in positions of leadership globally.
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