Dear Friends,
We are entering into the most holy time of the Christian Church, what is historically called the Three Great Days. Of course, we still live and work in the 21st century. Events that happened so many centuries ago may seem like a play, a re-enactment, to watch as often people do this week. But, more importantly, you are invited to enter into the story, make it your own, walk with Jesus and journey from the Garden to the Cross to Tomb and, finally, the Dawn. It’s not merely a story to watch, it’s a story to live.
Attending Holy Week services helps. But don’t go as a mere observer…walk with Jesus in the Garden, as the old hymn says. Talk with him about the burdens in the world which overwhelm you and the church. Face questions about your faith with your head held up and a serene calm…because you know He lives. Jump in and carry the cross for a while like Simon Cyrene. You’re not too busy, you’re not too weak or small. Our Savior needs you for something today. What is it? Worship at the foot of the cross, like the women and John. Pour out your love and adoration for your God who came to save the world. And plan to come back to Jesus as soon as you can, even if there are barriers which may seem as a big as a heavy stone. You never know…those barriers may be rolled away by His grace.
Even if you aren’t able to attend the special services before Easter Sunday, you can reflect and pray on these things on your own, and I urge you to do so. In closing here is a prayer we will be using at the Ecumenical Good Friday service. I hope to see you there!
It seems impossible that anyone would give what you did to save men and women like us;
But, you gave yourself freely for our sakes.
It seems unimaginable that anyone could love the way you did, including outcasts, rebels, and even your persecutors, and refusing to strike back;
But, you loved so much that you laid down your life for our sakes.
It seems inconceivable that anyone would offer the forgiveness that you did even as nails pierced your flesh, and the cross was stained with your blood;
But, you did not hold our sin against us, and took on yourself the suffering
that should have been ours.
Forgive us that we have allowed greed and violence, pride and deceit, bitterness and coldness,
to have a place in our hearts;
And fill us again with Your immeasurable grace, Your inexhaustible love, and Your unconquerable life, That we may be changed, and may express our love and devotion
through lives of worship. Amen.
(~ John van de Laar @Sacredise 2008)
Peace,
Pastor Amber
Holy Week Schedule-
Maundy Thursday-April 1st at 7pm. This service includes a special drama and Holy Communion.
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. Volunteers are still needed! See Veronica Nicoleau after Friday worship or come early Saturday.
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) *Bring your chairs or blankets for seating.
Easter Service-April 4th at 10:30am with Holy Communion.
*Please plan to arrive early on Easter Sunday if you are attending the 10:30 am service, especially if you will be placing fresh flowers on our Living Cross and taking photos. Plus, there will be more guests than usual to find seating.
*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*
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 Rev. Paul Massingill. You are invited to pray for the discernment of the Council if this is the right direction for Cutler Ridge. Attached to this email is a “Question & Answer” sheet or you will find them printed in the Narthex. The Council welcomes your questions and feedback as we move to a decision THIS MONDAY, 4/5. Please feel free to contact Pastor Amber (amber.massingill@flumc.org) or at the church office.
