I thought this Obituary for Jesus was cleverly done.
There are many details of Jesus’ life in the Gospels, but there are other sources as well that affirm the events of his life, like other writings and archaeology.
The one event that is impossible to affirm except through faith is the Resurrection of Jesus which we celebrated on last Sunday. The women at the tomb, all
disciples, including those on the road to Emmaus at first regarded the reports of his Resurrection, as idle tales, especially since the one who was raised had been
crucified.
The first Sunday after Easter we remember the reaction of the last of the eleven disciples to believe, Thomas. He was not there when Jesus appeared to the ten
disciples and so demanded proof, by touching the wounds of Jesus.
Two things should be said. First, I am impressed that the eleven disciples hung in there together for the week. The ten had come to believe the most amazing Truth
of their lives. They must have been filled with awe and wonder. Yet one of their own would not accept their witness.
For his part Thomas did not abandon the ten, even though he could not believe what they were saying. In our own time, people who disagree seem to have a
hard time staying together. So, kudos to them for not unfriending one another.
One week later, Thomas and the rest are together when Jesus again comes to them. He offers his hands and his side to Thomas. Thomas responds with the
profoundest of confessions: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responds that “Those who have not seen and yet come to believe are blessed.”
Do you feel blessed to believe in the unseen victory of life or death? Do you want to touch the marks of Jesus, who demonstrated the love of God in his sacrifice?
Do you want to take up the gracious work of Jesus in a divided world? Let us affirm that commitment again this Sunday.
Prayer Almighty and gracious God, you come to us in times of doubt with wounded hands and a body of believers. Help us to reach out and touch Your Love.
Blessings, Pastor John Bunge
Special Appeals
Thank you for your support of Faith and our outreach ministries is wonderful. We were able to provide baskets for Joy and Jenn from the Preschool. Joy, our
director, received a baby basket and a gift card. Jennifer received a basket and gift card as well. She will be spending the next four to six months on disability, due to
her breast cancer. Jenn’s last day for a while was Good Friday, April 18.
Thanks to those who gave to Easter Musicians or Lillies.
Kudos to Irm for the flowers in the sanctuary and outside cross and for Connie and the Stracks for the lilies and the refreshments. Nancy assisted with the
refreshments after the service as well. What a marvelous celebration.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Pastor Bunge will be in the office on his regular schedule of Mondays and Tuesdays in the office beginning April 28.
Confirmation Classes will resume Sunday, April 27.
Time of Meditation – took a break for Lent but are back again. April 24 @ 1 pm
and for those who would appreciate a class May 1 @ 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 – Seven of us began with a fun class Thursday, April 10 for 4 weeks; 3:30-4:30. All levels and ages. $40/4 weeks. See signup in Narthex on Sunday for details.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has completed 4 quilts for the San Bernardino Wellness Center and six for Lutheran
World Relief. They are working on quilts for our graduating High School Seniors – Benet and Rachel. We will honor them on June 8.
The Kopper Kettle donated tablecloths and runners for quilts.
• Diane Watson fractured her foot and is in a walking cast but was back in church with her daughter, Amy.
• Michael Shea has been back with us, playing the timpani.
• Kyle Hadley is making a solid though long recovery after eye surgery.
• Jan Wheeler is doing better with the right diagnosis and was with us in worship.
• Pat Teeters was also back.
• St. Alban’s interim pastor, Mark who will be facing surgery after Easter.
• Judy Martin is unsteady; she is not able to come to church and appreciates
your prayers, cards and visits by Carol.
• Cesar Guevara’s brother, Marco, and Kim’s mother, Carol, in Canada and their children.
• Eloise Johnson continues with her health issues but was with us with grandson, Benet.
• Jeanne Koening is having seizures. Jessica’s leukemia is being treated at City of Hope. Joe and Lucas were with us.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Jennifer for her upcoming birth & Joy recovering from breast cancer; from the Preschool. Thanks to Robin and the Preschool Committee for
undertaking various tasks.
Prayer Card Ministry. Easter Season cards are available in the Narthex for you to send.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH DATES
27 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK
Please bring a dish to share, signup in Narthex
Thanks to Nancy who will be hosting; signup to help
MAY
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
JUNE
1 Celebration of Apr-May-Jun Birthdays & Anniversaries
7 WELCA Bible Study
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 from the after-Easter sales.
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 27:
• Acts 5: 27-32
• Psalm 118: 14 -29
• Revelation 1: 4-8
• John 20: 19-31
