April 2, 2023
This is the fourth month of the year. It has been said that April showers bring May flowers. This popular saying is used often during the month of April because this is the time of the year when the last bit of snow turns to all rain. As temperatures climb and increase in rain shower activity sparks the beginning of flowers and plants to really start blooming.
April signals the beginning of the second quarter of the year. We are in the spring of the year as our lives continue to flower each and every hour. The moisture of the previous month has watered our lives with what was necessary to rinse and wash while providing the environment with being refreshed with the possibility of new life emerging from what was seemingly barren and about possibilities in life.
This month we observe Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday (Easter). Wow! The corollary between the seasons of the year and the insights and inspiration of the incidents of the life of faith with its implications for all that we face in life are extraordinary to say the least.
Following are the special dates in the month of April that require your presence, prayers and participation.
Sunday, April 2nd is Palm Sunday, (Matthew 21:1-11 / Mark 11:1-11 / Luke 19:29-44 / John 12:12-19). We join with Christians around the world remembering with the gospel portrayal that Jesus rode into Jerusalem offering himself as the Savior. Join all and sing, His name declares, Let every voice resound with acclamation, Hosanna! Praise the Lord! Bless Him who comes to bring us salvation! We embrace Jesus as One who comes to us in the name of the Lord and welcome him into our lives even now.
Monday, April 3 through Thursday, April 6 will be Holy Week Services. We are still meeting virtually due to the structural damage to our sacred space. Our staff ministers will be preaching each night at 7:00 pm via zoom as follows:
- Monday, April 3, Ernest Young
- Tuesday, April 4, D. Marie Battle
- Wednesday, April 5, Barbara Melancon
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Thursday, April 6, Maundy Thursday, Venus Butler *We will close this service with communion on zoom.
Friday, April 7 is Good Friday. We will have a virtual service at Noon via zoom. We will use the same format as last year.
- Those Who Killed Jesus /Ernest Young
- Those Who Died With Jesus / D. Marie Battle
- Those Who Watched Jesus Die /Venus Butler
- Those For Whom Jesus Died / Barbara Melancon
- Concluding Remarks / Pastor
Sunday, April 9th, Resurrection Sunday
With his death, burial, resurrection and ascension as Paul says, "Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy1:10). Death is potent but not omnipotent. There are some things that death cannot do. Death cannot cancel the contribution that a person makes in a lifetime nor limit the length of the legacy that a loved one leaves behind. Death cannot erase the experience we hold dear nor mar the memories we keep near. Death rather than extinguishing life, expands existence to be more encompassing of reality in all of its fullness without any barriers, hindrances or obstacles. Jesus' resurrection reminds us that this is not all there is and that there is still more existence that is yet to be. "Death where is your sting? Grave where is your victory?" (I Corinthians 15:55-56).
We will have our Easter broadcast message aired by Pastor at 8:00 am on KJLH 102.3 FM Radio Free. You will receive information for the special in-person service via the phone tree message and an E-blast. You will be asked to register and express your intent to attend. Masks and social distance will be required. The Christian Education Department will have an Easter program at 11:00 am, during the Sunday School hour, using the Henderson Class zoom link.
Sunday, April 16 an informational church meeting has been scheduled for Noon via zoom to share the progress toward the structural damage repair and the financial status of the congregation with our aging report. Members will receive the zoom link via the phone tree message and an E-blast.
Sunday, April 23 is the 101st Anniversary of the Usher Ministry. We will have a broadcast that will acknowledge the Usher Ministry Observance. Be sure to give a special contribution for the Usher’s 101 years of service.
Sunday, April 30 is Mission Emphasis Sunday. Remember to give a special offering for Mission Emphasis.
Thanks again for your continuing commitment, cooperation, and consideration. Given the challenges we are facing with this post pandemic organizing and restructuring, we are unfortunately running behind budget. I am appealing to you to do what you can, commensurate with your capacity to help eliminate the deficit with a special gift for Easter including your Lenten offering; ($100, $250, $500, $750, $1000) or whatever you can give to help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for what you are doing and what you are going to do.
Be safe and well.
Love,
-Pastor
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
