Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers, and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

Join us tonight for our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service in the sanctuary at 7pm. All are welcome to enjoy this special worship service filled with scripture, communion, and prayer as we walk with Christ from the Last Supper with his disciples, all the way to the tomb on Good Friday.

A nursery will be available for our littlest Presbyterians. Please note that this service will not be live streamed.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (Matthew 27:27-37, NRSV)

That word “compel” has always captured my attention and refuses to let it go. "Compel" means “to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly.” It implies overwhelming pressure. No matter who we are, we all know what it feels like to live with overwhelming pressure–Jesus included. We remember the story of his anguish in the garden of Gethsemane the night before Good Friday. And we marvel that he was compelled to carry his cross, even after being mocked, stripped, and beaten by Pilate’s soldiers, to the place he would be crucified.

And yet, Jesus wouldn’t bear that heavy burden alone. A man named Simon of Cyrene would unexpectedly be compelled to help carry that cross. Little is known about this man except his name and his city. No profound reason for why Simon was specifically chosen to carry Christ’s cross is ever offered. All we know is that Jesus was exhausted after his abuse at the hands of Pilate’s soldiers. They then found someone off the street and compelled him to lighten Christ’s load. Any one of us could have been chosen were we standing there. Though, if we had been, would we actually have been willing to take up his cross like Simon of Cyrene? Would we be willing now to lighten another’s load and walk with them through the darkest of days?

I pray we would. All of us carry heavy burdens, some more visible than others, and as the connected body of Christ we have the opportunity to sacrifice by serving one another. We can live into the light of God’s hope, which prevails throughout any darkness when we are compelled like Simon of Cyrene to carry Christ’s Cross for one another, just as Christ was compelled carry ours. May it be so no matter how dark the days may seem. 

Pray with me please... Almighty God, we stand near the cross disturbed, distraught, discouraged. Yet we gather here as disciples, those whom Jesus loves. In the face of such suffering, show us the face of our Savior. In the shadow of such evil, show us the light of your grace. On this somber day, let us stand as witnesses to your great love for all the world, revealed in the loving outstretched arms of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

- David

Things kick off on Easter Sunday with a time of fellowship and fun as we hold our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Absolutely everyone is invited to join us at 9am in the front courtyard under the big oak; kids can enjoy egg hunting and candy, and adults can enjoy coffee and donuts! Please bring your own egg basket.

All are welcome to share the Peace of Christ in the Parlor with coffee and fellowship before worship beginning at 9:30am. Our Easter Sunday worship service begins in the Sanctuary at 10am. Spread the word and invite your family and friends as we give thanks for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Sunday's Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-9, NRSV

Mark 16:1-8, NRSV

Sermon Title:

“Covenant & Promises:

The Empty Tomb"

Thank you for being patient with us while we worked through technical difficulties during the beginning of last week's worship service. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope this single video will enable you to worship with us again anytime during the week as we continue to celebrate Palm Sunday.

CHPC has an opportunity to partner with Rise Against Hunger and do something about people around the world who are facing food shortages. Be sure to save the date on Sunday, August 25 to meet in the gym and package meals to help those in need. Our goal is to pack 16,750 meals in two hours.  This is an event that all ages can do together, adults and children alike.

The cost for this project is $7,000 in total and we need to raise another $4,000 to make this event happen. Please help us address hunger by giving a special donation to this project by Easter Sunday, March 31. You can write a check to the church and designate it for Rise Against Hunger. You may also give online via the website here. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. Together, we can turn the tide against hunger and make a difference!

CHPC heads over to Holston Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk, NC from April 19 through 21 to pamper ourselves with moments of friendship, fellowship, and fun all weekend long! Things kick off on Friday night with a simple devotional and conclude on Sunday morning after worship. Overnight spots for adults cost between $100 to $150, depending upon accommodations and $50 for each child or youth. Day passes are available for $50 per adult and $25 per child to cover meals. Please contact the church office to sign up by April 14.

As our students return from their spring break, our church family has an opportunity to support our youth by providing meals for youth gatherings. Please follow the link below to see the youth dinner schedule and sign up. Or if you would simply like to contribute to cover meal, please contact Tyler. Thanks so much for supporting our fantastic youth group!

In the event of rainy weather on Sunday, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will move indoors. Check our facebook page for the most up to date information, as needed.

Thank you to everyone who donated to this years Easter Memorial Gifts program. All who purchased a lily are welcome to take theirs home after Sunday's service.

Children will not go down to Children’s Church after their special moment in service, but will worship with the congregation in the sanctuary on Easter. A nursery will still be provided for our littlest Presbyterians.

The Youth Group will take a one-week break for Easter and meets again for Bible study on Sunday, April 7.

Sunday School classes resume on Sunday, April 7 at 11:15am. Please reach out to any member of either adult classes to learn how you can participate in these meaningful conversations.

The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering was collected on Palm Sunday, but you may continue to give throughout the upcoming Easter season! This special offering has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world for over 70 years. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, the different programs supported by OGHS fits together to to serve individuals and communities by providing safety, sustenance, and hope. You may give online here or pick up a brochure in the narthex to see how you can help. Thank you for your support!

The church office will be closed on Monday, April 1, in observation of Easter. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, April 2.

The Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study will be reading the book "Lies My Preacher Told Me - An Honest Look at the Old Testament" by Brent A. Strawn beginning next Wednesday, April 3, at 3pm in the parlor. There are a few extra copies available for anyone who would like to join the discussion. Speak with David or Lisa Pecorini if you need one. We will cover the Introduction and Chapter 1 next week. Hope to see you there!

CHPC's Craft Club will meet on Thursday, April 4 from 1-3 pm in rooms 219 and 220 to make fleece blankets for Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Please bring 2 pieces of coordinating fleece fabric (blankets will be reversible) - and 1/2 yard each; scissors or rotary cutter; and a ruler. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Kirk.

The celebration of the Easter Season continues on Sunday, April 7th with a special Children's Sunday Service. This is an opportunity for us as a church family to experience what our kids are up to downstairs in Children's Church. You literally won't want to miss it!

Save the date for a special community worship service! Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is partnering with other congregations in our area to celebrate Christ's resurrection with a special service on Sunday, April 7. Worship will be at 6:00pm at Colonial Heights Baptist Church and will be collectively led by local pastors. All are welcome!

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by end of business on Tuesday.

Prayer Requests 

Leon Boyd, Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt, Beverly Shelton, Ginny Snow, Lee Walker, Boyd Holder, Bobbie Cooper (Sharon Pugh's mother), Family of Wayne Fortner (Lisa Robinette's in law),

Bethany Thompson, Wilma Bennett (Doug Bennett's mother),

Family of Jean Watson (Cari Parker's Aunt), Family of Charles Hasbrouck,

Shirlie Hurst, Family of Janice Mullins, Miller Lyons

Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Anne Hertel, Evelyn Hill, Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson,

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett, Lois Carter