This Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday, the start of Holy Week. The day starts by remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We meet outside and sing Hosanna. We
then proceed into the sanctuary where the Cross of Christ becomes the focus. We will have an extended reading of the Passion account in the Gospel of Luke
Chapters 22-23. Reading about the sufferings of Jesus is not what most people look forward to on a Sunday morning.
When I was young, we waved the palm branches on Sunday and if people wanted to come back for the grizzly details of his death, they would come back on Good
Friday. But in the decades since, the church has seen more and more the wisdom and power of the cross.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24: Christ Crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. He understood the reluctance of people to accept the
sufferings of Jesus. But he goes on to write to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. In writing to the
Romans, he clarifies that Wisdom and Power.
1. The Cross shows of the depth of God’s Love – As Paul wrote in Romans 5:8 – God proves his love for us that while we still were sinners Christ died for
us. Have you ever had someone who sacrificed of themselves for you? We could always point to our mothers who bore pain to bring us to life, as my daughter
and daughter-in-law recently did. But you may have other examples as well.
We had just moved into Rancho Cucamonga back in 1995 when high winds and fire threatened our home. We evacuated but firefighters who put
themselves in danger saved our home, in fact all the homes in the area.
2. A ransom for our Freedom. Paul continues in Romans 5:10: We were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled to, will we be saved by his life.
Having someone there for you who will pick up your debts is wonderful. When I was in Seminary the cost of tuition was $400 a semester. Faithful Lutherans
were picking up the tab for me. What a blessing. We at Faith do have a fund to help those who might choose to go to Seminary, so we continue in that
tradition.
3. Sacrifice for our forgiveness. Romans 5:18: Just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to
justification and life for all.
In ancient times people thought they might appease the gods and change the weather through the sacrifice of animals, even human beings offered by
certain cultures to assuage the gods. Blood needed to be shed to bring back the rain. As we studied the Gospel of Luke on Wednesday evenings, we read
about Jesus reaching out to people who were Outcasts and Sinners. He would sacrifice himself for their sins and ours. His sacrifice was taken as a mark of the
depth to which God would go to bring reconciliation.
4. Victory over Death Jesus’ ministry started with the announcement that “the kingdom of God has come near”. His actions brought victory over
illness, estrangement, even death. Easter would reveal the ultimate power of Love.
Holy Week continues to enhance this hopeful message note the schedule follows.
Prayer: Lord, as we enter this Holy Week, remind us of the blessing of the Cross, the depth, the ransom, the forgiveness and the victory. May we share that hope
with the world around us. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John B.
Holy Week Services:
April 13 – Palm Sunday at 10 am. Meet outdoors – Light Brunch Follows
For the service: Thank you to Emily for the purple cross-drape fabric, Connie for sewing it, Dave & Bonnie for providing large palm branches.
April 17 – Maundy Thursday at 7 pm.
April 18 – Good Friday – We will not have services here but if you would like to join St. Alban’s Good Friday service on the 18th at 5 pm at 12692 – 5 th St.
April 20 – Easter service at 10 am. Children are invited to bring Easter Baskets for an Easter Egg Hunt. Thank you Carol J. and Mkanzas for organizing this. Coffee & treats in Narthex
Special Appeals
Your support of Faith and our outreach ministries is wonderful. We are emboldened to ask for your support of a Preschool Director and Site
Supervisor. If you would like to give funds for a baby basket for Joy and a special gift for Jennifer as she spends the next four to six months on disability, due to her
breast cancer. Her last day for a while will be April 18.
Also, if you would like to dedicate funds for Easter Musicians or Lilies, please indicate that on your envelope or check with the dedication noted.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Wednesdays – April 9: Last Wednesday Souper Study @ 5:00 p in the fireside room. Thanks to all who participated.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office next week on Tuesday and Thursday, then the week after Easter he and Connie will visit his granddaughter, then be back to his
regular schedule of Mondays and Tuesdays in the office beginning April 28.
Confirmation Classes will resume Palm Sunday, April 13 and April 27 on.
Time of Meditation – took a break for Lent but are back again. April 24 @ 1 pm
and for those who would appreciate a class May1 @ 12:30.
PANTRY –
2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00 The pantry could use Pasta (any kind), dry beans and/or dry peas, macaroni & cheese.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY – beginning Thursday, April 10 for 4 weeks; 3:30-4:30. All levels
and ages. $40/session. See signup in Narthex on Sunday for details. Or Call Connie, 951.514.1214 if interested.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has
completed 2 quilts which they shared with The San Bernardino Wellness Center.
They are working on quilts for our graduating High School Seniors – Benet and Rachel.
PRAISE
• Pat Teeters was back in church with the help of her nephew.
• Jan Wheeler is doing better with the right diagnosis and was with us in
church with her daughter.
• Diane Watson fractured her foot and is in a walking cast but was back in
church with her daughter.
• Michael Shea has been back with us.
• Kyle Hadley is making a solid though long recovery after eye surgery.
PRAYERS
• Judy Martin is unsteady she is not able to come to church and appreciates
your prayers and visits by Carol.
• Cesar Guervara’s health is improving and is Kim’s mother Carol in Canada.
• Eloise Johnson continues with her health issues.
• Jeanne Koening is having seizures. Jessica’s leukemia is being treated at
City of Hope. Joe and Lucas were with us on Sunday and Joe is working on
getting his license back.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms,
who has suffered from a series of strokes.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH DATES
13 PALM SUNDAY – Quiche, Fruit, Muffins
20 EASTER – Coffee & Treats in Narthex
27 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – sign up in Narthex on table by glass
(Plan for POTLUCK LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH)
3 WELCA Bible Study
4 WELCA
11 MOTHER’S DAY Celebration
18 PRESCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION – (Thanks to Robyn for providing an Action Team and for hosting with the committee)
25 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – signup in Narthex
1 Celebration of Apr-May-Jun Birthdays & Anniversaries
8 WELCA – GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS (Thanks to Eloise for providing an Action Team)
15 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – Root Beer Floats
22 GAME DAY RESUMES – For a fun change — We will alternate Bingo
& Trivia Fun facts
Thanks for remembering us for your Bingo donations; anything, Also candy, etc.
29 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – sign up in Narthex
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
Here are the Lessons for April 13:
• Luke 19:29-40
• Psalm 31: 9 – 16
• Philippians 2: 5 – 11
• Luke 22: 14 – 23:56
