Thursday, March 28, 2024

Happy Holy Week, Friends! It is an early edition of Chimings this week as we move ever closer to the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter! Today I was reading Mark's gospel and found these thoughts...

                  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
                      soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." 
                                              (Mark 12:30 NIV)  

"I love you." These three small, but precious words, never fall on deaf ears. It is the most heavenly sound a parent can hear from their child -- and the sweetest sacrifice we can offer our Heavenly Father. Yet sometimes it's difficult to find the right words to tell our Savior how much we love him. But when all other words fail, these three short simple words are enough.
   
We can demonstrate love in many different ways -- through giving, good deeds, acts of kindness, encouraging words. We can praise the Lord through singing, dancing, and clapping our hands or by approaching him reverently in worship -- bowing low or raising our hands. But of all the ways we show God our adoration, nothing is sweeter than the spontaneous utterance of "I Love You, Lord" any time throughout the day. Don't forget to remind the Lord how much you love Him today.    
   
So when you're driving your car or working in the kitchen or lying in bed or exercising, join me in praying, "I Love You, Lord"!    

+++  Holy Week Worship plans...

• Holy (Maundy) Thursday, 7:00pm in the Sanctuary for a "Service of Nails". We will offer the Sacrament of Holy Communion and have some wonderful special music as well. My message is "Guided to Service" and I will be looking at how Jesus teaches us to serve from the cross.
• Good Friday the Sanctuary will be open for your personal reflection and prayer from 12:00 noon until 3:00pm. Come when you can and stay as long as you would like on this holy afternoon.
• Resurrection Day... our Easter celebration worship is at both 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. There will be lots of special music, scripture readings and a celebratory sharing of the Sacrament of Holy Communion on this special day. Look for our "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am on Resurrection Day and join the celebration! 

+++ After worship you are invited to take your Easter mums home to continue to brighten your Resurrection celebrations at home. Thanks to all who helped us beautify our Altar!  

+++ Please bring your Lenten Self Denial boxes back on Sunday, along with any remaining personal care items for our friends at University United Methodist Church in Syracuse. We continue to change the world through our mission work!

+++ Our monthly Meal Ministry for Shut-ins is happening on Sunday, April 7th! Deliveries will be made after worship next Sunday. Thanks to all who are working in this important ministry.

+++ Don't forget Immanuel's upcoming Spring Craft Show taking place on April 12 and 13 to benefit missions. There will be some beautiful crafts available for sale and you will want to be here for this great event as we celebrate the artistic talents of our area's crafters!     

Make this day a great day and remember to always pray, "I Love You, Lord"!    
​Pastor Jack