E-Devo March 25, 2010

Dear Friends,
It was great to see everyone on Sunday. As we get closer to Holy Week and Easter, I am mindful that the world is not centered on this miraculous event the way the church is…although Jesus’ death and resurrection certainly changed the world forever. To many, next week is just Spring Break. I’ve had several well-meaning people ask, “When is Easter?” We have available for you postcards that we’ve sent to about 150 “friends of CRUMC” for you to give to your friends, co-workers, etc. Next week’s schedule is listed below, so keep reading and pray for God to touch people’s lives through the outreach of churches everywhere.
Today in my weekly email, I want to share with you an exciting opportunity that our Church Council is exploring. As you may know, CRUMC owns the white house on the corner of Marlin Road and the church parking lot. It’s affectionately called “the Annex,” and over the years it has had quite a history of purposes with as many lives as a beloved cat. It has been the home of a church property caretaker, the location of a mother’s morning out program run by the church, the church office, as well as the offices of South Florida Counseling Ministries.  Currently, the church uses it for administrative meetings, storage, and it is home to our Craft Group. 
Now, CRUMC is considering using the Annex in partnership with FIU/MDC Wesley Foundation to house interns who will work with this new college ministry started by Paul Massingill. The proposal is for post-graduate young adults (ages 21-30) accepted into Wesley’s intern program to have free housing and a “base of operations.” Over the next couple of weeks, I invite you to pray for discernment if this is the right direction for Cutler Ridge.  In the narthex, there will be available a “Question & Answer” sheet that you may take, and the Council welcomes your questions and feedback as we move to a decision. Please feel free to contact me at my personal email (amber.massingill@flumc.org) or at the church office by phone or in person.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
 
·         April/May newsletter announcements are due TODAY, Wednesday, 3/23. The newsletter team is kindly asked to meet this Friday at 10am to assemble them.
·         Gardeners! This Saturday, 3/27, at 8:30am anyone who can join Tyler Chandler for pruning & planting around the church would be much appreciated.
·         Sunday is Palm Sunday. All children are invited to participate in the procession of palms during the opening song. Please arrive by 10:20 to receive your palm branches.
·         Donations of plastic Easter eggs with or without wrapped for the Easter Egg candy are still being taken. If you can help stuff them or volunteer with other set up/clean up or Egg Hunt activities, please contact Veronica Nicoleau.
·         Don’t forget CRUMK when you’re at the dollar store or grocery this week ONLY. Your mid-year donation of wipes, baggies, colored pasta, office paper, etc., is very much appreciated. Call the church office for the list.
·         We are still in need of two gently-used wooden changing tables for the renovated bathrooms. If you know of one or see one at a garage sale at a reasonable cost, the church would be glad to reimburse you.
 
Holy Week Service Schedule
Palm Sunday-March 28th at 10:30am. Children will be invited to bring palms into the church during the opening hymn.
Maundy Thursday-April 1st at 7pm. This service commemorates the Last Supper.
Good Friday Ecumenical Service-April 2nd at noon. This service will be held at Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church. The program is the 7 Last Words given by area Pastors.
Easter Egg Hunt-April 3rd at 10:30am. Egg Hunt plus crafts and snacks for kids! All activities free.
Easter Sunrise Service-April 4th at 6:45am. Rev. Amber Massingill will be preaching at this community service. (New Location @ Palmetto Bay Village Center-18001 Old Cutler Road)
Easter Service-April 4th at 10:30am with Holy Communion.