Pastor’s NoteThe first Sunday of April is Easter Sunday. God’s promise of new life and resurrection is such good news to hear right now, and I can’t wait to talk about all of the ways we see the resurrection of Jesus in our life and in our world. This mystery is so rich that we cannot just dedicate one Sunday to the resurrected life, rather Easter lasts for seven weeks. These seven weeks—or about 50 days—are the days between Easter and Pentecost. We take time to consider all of the ways we experience the Resurrected Lord in our midst today. This year we are going to consider the resurrection through seven images given to us by Jesus. Sometimes, the best way to consider big, unwieldy ideas is to begin with really small pieces. Jesus gives us seven simple images when he says “I am the…” These describe his own identity and relationship with us. In the coming weeks, we will take time to ponder each of these images: I am the resurrection, I am the door, I am the good shepherd, I am the bread, I am the vine, I am the road, and I am the light. God is still speaking to us, and I wonder if God has suggested another “I am the…” statement to you. I’d like to invite the church into a spiritual practice of noticing and observation. Where do you hear Jesus saying “I am the…” in our world today? This is a helpful exercise to notice the smallest details of our lives. This practice can become a form of prayer, meditation, and reflection. Try writing the image down, describing it to a friend, or making some form of visual art with it. I would love for you to share your observations with me. -Michael Isaacs COVID-19 RemindersPlease continue to be diligent about wearing a mask and social distancing during in-person worship. It is important as ever not to let our guards down in dealing with this public health crisis that it affecting the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of so many people. If you, or someone you know, needs additional hand sanitizer or masks, please call the church office, and we can help provide these important resources. Worship NotesHoly Week ServiceA recorded Maundy Thursday service can be found at https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/virtual-worship/maundythursday2021. Easter ServiceWe are planning on hosting two Easter morning services. A 10:00 service will be inside the sanctuary, and we will worship outside at 11:30. Both services will include the Lord’s Supper. Upcoming WorshipWe will explore Jesus “I am..” statements in April and May. Here are the themes for worship in April. April 4 – I am the resurrection April 11 – I am the door April 18 – I am the bread April 25 – I am the Good Shepherd
Thank you!We are especially grateful for Janet Scott and Brian Shepard as they have seamlessly assumed more responsibilities while Joyce is recovering from surgery. Joyce is currently doing well and is appreciative of all the prayers and support. Christian Education NotesGraduates!?Are you graduating? Or is someone in your household graduating? We’d like to lift up graduates in a time of prayer during worship and offer a small gift. Please e-mail sandy@fpcmiddletown.com with any names to include. Stories of God at HomeThe Purple Table is offering resources for you to share Godly Play stories at home! Email Lisa (lisa@fpcmiddletown.com) to sign up to borrow a story kit. Story videos are easily accessible online (https://www.storiesofgodathome.com/events). Stay connected on April 19!Join our online gathering via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, for a time of fellowship and activities. (Zoom Meeting ID: 357 756 9746) The Purple Table is a pop-up welcome space, online and in-person, that builds community, affirms, and supports healing. Let us encourage one another as we play, share stories, listen, and find a way through, together! Connect instantly with The Purple Table by visiting the website: https://the-purple-table.mn.co Stewardship NotesOne of the ways people in the congregation leave a lasting gift to our ministry is through Memorial Giving. At the time of death people often ask that you give to any number of places including First Presbyterian Church. The funds we receive from these memorial gifts often go into our Memorial Fund, which has recently been used to fund new benches outside the church near the Gathering Area, renovating the Memorial Room, and providing new equipment needed to create a video live-stream of our services. Other times these funds have gone into our Mission Fund and have supported a medical scholarship in Ecuador through Tandana, Shared Harvest Food Bank, and tornado relief in Dayton. In 2019, our bicentennial year, all undesignated memorial gifts supported our Bicentennial Fund for the endowment. The Church really appreciates this type of support and works to honor the memory of those who ask for others to contribute in this way. Odds & EndsOnline CalenderThe church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar. New MembersNew members are joining this April. If you would like to join the church, please let Michael or Sandy know today! You can e-mail Michael at michael@fpcmiddletown.com.
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