Scripture: John 19:38-42
“After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds’ weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
Dear Friends,
On the way home from worship Sunday, my son Max said to me with a sigh, “I always feel ambivalent on Palm Sunday.” I told him that I felt the same way. On one hand, we have the joy and positive energy from the blessing of the palms, we rejoice right along with the crowd, but Palm Sunday leads us straight into the Passion of Christ, and there is great sadness when we ponder Holy Week.
Have you ever felt ambivalent about faith? I think it can be a common feeling. There is a small piece of scripture you will probably never hear a sermon on which I think bears considering. It’s the burial of Jesus from John 19. In it Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus in the garden tomb. The spices they used demonstrated great devotion of Jesus, they were quite expensive, and there was a huge quantity, fit for a King! What is interesting is that both men were thought to be members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This is the first time we see Joseph, but it is the third time we meet Nicodemus in the gospel of John. Nicodemus firsts visits Jesus at night in chapter 3. His second reference is during the Feast of the Tabernacles, when he speaks up for Jesus -sort of. Look at John 7:45-51 and see if you think so. Believe it or not, many Pharisees became disciples of Christ after the resurrection. Often, during Holy Week, we think about Jesus’ gift to us of new life from the disciples’ perspective. This year we might want to ponder what the Holy Week experience meant to Joseph of Arimathea or Nicodemus: people who came to faith with ambivalence.
There is a song, “To Know You,” by Nichole Nordeman. Her song includes the lyrics “Nicodemus could not understand how You could truly free us. He struggled with the image of a grown man born again. We might have been good friends, ‘cause sometimes I still question too how easily we come to You.”
Faith isn’t always straightforward. Many of us come to faith by the side door, just like Joseph, Nicodemus, and Nichole. It doesn’t matter how we come, but that we do come. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Betsy Rogers is organizing an EASTER EGG DYEING event at church tomorrow (Thursday, April 1 - no fooling!) at 1:00 p.m. Junior and senior high, please come and help for an hour or two. Questions, call Betsy (630-858-3538).
This is HOLY WEEK. Please join us for these services and events:
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
FAMILY EASTER PARTY, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and an egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
EASTER/THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. No Sunday school - nursery care available for children through kindergarten age; older children remain in worship with their families.) Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously. We will dedicate this offering on Easter.
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is the day we bring OFFERINGS FOR THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER. The April emphasis is laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST meets the first Monday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada. The next gathering is April 5, the day after Easter. All women are invited, and we’re always happy to have new friends join us!
The church office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 5.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
FREE EASTER EGG HUNT AND BREAKFAST!
THIS Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m. is our Annual Easter Party/Breakfast. There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt for children up through fifth grade. Come join us, and bring your friends! Everyone is welcome and no advance reservations are required.
There is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY so that children and youth can worship with their families. The following Sunday practice for Youth Sunday resumes: Children in pre-school through grade 3 begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They are learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play after Easter Sunday.
SPRING BULB SALE: We are selling Spring Bulbs to help raise money for this year’s Vacation Bible School. These beautiful bulbs from Dutch Mill Bulbs, selling for $6 each set, include strawberries, Stargazer Lilies, and Hostas, among others. The sale will begin on Easter, this Sunday, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole! The order forms will be on the C.E. bulletin board in the narthex.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
May 9- Nalani Johnson
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)
June 6- Book Sale
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This Sunday is Easter. Our class will not meet, but if you would like to read the scriptures for the day, they are: Isaiah 65:17-25; Acts 10:34-43; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; John 20:1-8. See you next week. -Blair
YOUTH: No SNL this week. Happy Easter! Remember: deposits for Mission Trip are due. See you next week.
SYS!! Save your stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, May 15-16. More information to come after Easter.
Presbyterian Camps is looking to fill summer positions for the 2010 Summer Camp Season. Don’t miss the opportunity to work in “Saugatuck.” Positions Available:
Assistant Director for Summer Camp Programming
Summer Counselor
Please visit the camp website at www.prescamps.org or contact Brad Fries at director@prescamps.org.
