'Mary took a pound of
costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her
hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.' St
John 12.3
Great love begets an
extravagant response. Mary felt that love from Jesus, and she returned
that love in a sacrificial, joyful manner.
When we worship together,
it's really about the costly love of God in Jesus, a gift of grace beyond
price. Love calls to love, and God loves nothing greater than for us to
offer him our hearts and lives in love and devotion.
In the words of the beloved
hymn, "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my
all!"
CONSECRATED STEWARDS
FOLLOW UP: Praise to the Lord for a wonderful
celebration of his love and our response this past Sunday! 48 commitment
cards were returned, totaling pledges of $146,000. We had a great lunch
after worship, the culmination of our 8 week stewardship emphasis.
If you were not able to be with us Sunday, we will
be following up with a letter and an invitation to participate in the commitment
process. Please honor that invitation and join the rest of the
congregation in responding to God's great love with a sacrificial
pledge.
MIDWEEK LENTEN
VESPERS continue this evening, with Soup Supper at
6pm, followed by Vespers worship at 7pm. Join us for
both, if you can, on this first full day of Spring! Our theme is "Lord,
Teach Us to Pray: Great Prayers from the Christian Tradition".
FOOD DRIVE
SUNDAY!!! Our congregational goal is 700
pounds. All food donations will go to Marion Polk Food Share, to
help feed poor and hungry people in our area. Please consult the "10 Most
Wanted Food Items" poster, and then bring your food offering to worship
this coming Sunday. Thanks for serving Christ in the poor and
needy!
NEW ADULT BIBLE
STUDY begins this coming Sunday. I'll be leading a
study and discussion of St Paul's letter of joy, Philippians,
through Spring. We meet in the Commons Room far north end of the building,
8:50am - 945am each Sunday.
SPRING CLEAN UP DAY
AT CHURCH is this coming Saturday, March 24. Bring your tools,
gardening equipment, paint brushes, and put a few hours in helping to clean and
beautify our grounds and building in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.
Al Binder says he'll be here at 8am, bright and early!
IMPORTANT DATES TO
NOTE
- April
1.........Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion, with reception for the congregation
following in honor of Jay and Virginia Hopkins' 60th wedding
anniversary.
- April 5, Maundy
Thursday......7pm worship
- April 6, Good Friday..........12
noon worship with students from Concordia School . . . 7pm evening
worship
- April 8, EASTER
SUNDAY.....7am, Sunrise Worship . . . 8:15am,
Easter Breakfast (Youth Fundraiser) . . . 10am, Festival
Worship
- April 22.................Preschool
Sunday
- April 24 - 26, Pastor at Oregon Pastors
Conference in Eugene
- April 29.......12 noon, Congregational
Meeting: adoption of 2007 - 2008 Mission and Ministry
Plan
PIE
SOCIAL: Over $3,000 was raised! Combined with
money from Thrivent, the total was over $3,600. That money will go towards
our new reader-board outdoor sign, to replace our current aging and
deteriorating church sign. Special thanks to Roy Tulee and his organizing task
force...the entertainers...all who baked and donated pies for auction...and all
who bid so generously.
This first full day of
Spring reminds us of the renewal of all creation. During these last few
weeks of Lent, may we feel the enormous love of God and be renewed in our desire
to love and serve Christ in all our lives.
+
+
+
