Good Friday, April 18, 2025

Good Friday Morning...

On this Good Friday, as we contemplate the sacrifice offered for each of us by Jesus on the cross, my reading takes me into the 14th chapter of Luke's Gospel account...

                     "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and
                       the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
                                           (Luke 14:11 HCSB)

Dying to self happens every day, especially when we are justified in being upset. Our frustrated response doesn't match with Jesus' humility -- giving up all His rights as God to come to be questioned, beaten and killed by His creation. He let go of His reputation so He could be lifted up -- on the cross and then to heaven -- and lift us up with him.
   
You just don't get humble by trying to be humble. That just ends up feeling like false modesty or a humble bragging point. Humility comes not from thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less. When you see yourself as the reason (both as individuals and corporately) Jesus had to die, you learn to value the new life He has given you -- and you want others to come to know Him too. 
   
Sharing your God story is a powerful witness -- but remember to keep the focus on Jesus. Your past may have been really messed up, but what Jesus did overcomes everyone's messed up behavior over the past two thousand years. Embrace your part in the mind-staggering work He is doing in, around, and through you, and watch Him go!
         
Lord Jesus, Your sacrifice for me pulls me down to the grave as I think about my sin, but then it lifts me up to heaven with You as I consider the unmatchable gift of Your righteousness in me. Thank  you. Amen.   

+++ Our Resurrection Day worship services are at 8:30am and 10:00am and this week both of these services will be in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary. We will celebrate Easter with wonderful music, scriptures and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. I'll be thinking about how "Jesus is our Redeemer" and looking at the things we KNOW for sure! What is it that you believe you KNOW? I will share a few things I believe I KNOW. We will, of course, be "live-streaming" at 10:00am on the church Facebook page and then uploading the completed worship to our YouTube channel. But we hope to see you in the Sanctuary when we worship on Sunday morning!  

+++ Team and Ministry leaders... please remember the articles for the May/June edition of our church newsletter need to be in the office on Sunday. Thanks for helping us keep to our publishing schedule!  

+++ The great Immanuel Garage Sale is only a couple of weeks away! Grab one of the flyers from the usher's table on Sunday and don't forget to sign up outside the Fireside Room to get involved in the fun!  

+++ When you are cleaning out to prepare your donations for the Garage Sale our Knit and Stitch group would be glad to take any unused yarn you might like to donate. Talk to Karen or Judy to arrange your donation to help the group in their ministry work.

+++ Sunday is the last day to let me know if you are feeling moved to stepping into the role of Highway Cleanup Coordinator. If no one is able to step into this role, we will let the DOT know that they should seek another organization to take over these responsibilities. 

+++ The Cicero UMC is organizing a Lancaster, PA bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater to see the production NOAH. The trip is scheduled for June 3-6 and there is a flyer on the bulletin board across from the office door with more information.         

Make this day a day in which you come closer to Jesus!   
Pastor Jack