Holy Week Events
I spent all of yesterday trying to finalize the details for our Good Friday service next week. It is one of the many special events that happen once a year. We begin on Palm Sunday with the children singing in both worship services. We are also celebrating the baptisms of two beautiful children who are new to our congregation. I am thrilled that these kids will not only have parents but grandparents and great grandparents who will surround them in love as we celebrate this sacred moment together. Also on Sunday, we are hosting our Easter Egg Hunt at 3 pm and the weather looks to be exceptional. This is one reason that I love Easter in April.
After Sunday, we are trying something new by offering Wednesday night programming. Linda, Mark and I are all planning special lessons and immersive experiences that night for our age groups. Any adult is welcome to join me in room 500 that evening. Then on Thursday we are traveling down to Night Light Tulsa to serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors a hot meal under a bridge. We provide so much more than just food. We are there to build community, engage folks in stories and listen to those who may be lonely. You can meet us downtown or ride the church van down. We need you here at the church by 5:15. The vans will pull away at 5:30 to make it to our training time. We have plenty of room in the vans right now so click here to reserve a seat. I will be joining you and wearing my Faith UMC blue t-shirt!
Then on Friday evening we gather to worship God and remember the brutal death of Jesus. This is one of the most difficult services to lead because we involve lots of people and do some dramatic effects to emphasize parts of the biblical story. The bell choir and chancel choir will both be leading us in this service. If you have never attended this service, I encourage you to make it a priority. There is something deeply moving about hearing all of those hammers hitting nails to hold sins to our cross. It moves me every year even when I know that it is coming. I am recruiting support team folks to greet that night and help me host. If you can help, click here.
On Saturday, it takes a small crew of people to help me transform the sanctuary from Good Friday to Easter. I need about 20 people to volunteer to help at 10:00 am. We will bring down all the lillies and bath the hallways in butterflies. I also need a couple of people who know how to work with balloons. This is not a gift that I have! Lots of people loved the photo backdrop that we created and we are doing it again this year.
My big surprise for Easter morning is that we are partnering with a “Not Your Average Joe Coffee” based out of OKC with a location in Broken Arrow. Their mission is “To inspire our community by including students and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in the creation of exceptional coffee in an encouraging atmosphere.” The Daily Oklahoman described them as “dispensing hope.” My cousin Eric introduced me to them. I found that this partnership would be wonderful for a congregation with “Acceptional students” in our Special Angels ministry. One of their folks will be making all the coffee options for us but I need a volunteer or two to go pick it up that morning in Broken Arrow. Our plan is to offer treats and gourmet coffee during the 10-11 am hour since many of our classes are not meeting that morning. Click here to help on Easter!
Another important thing for you to know is that both the 9 and 11 am services will have Kid’s Connection. Since it is Easter, we know that we will have lots of kids at both services. We also know that we will have lots of guests on that day. I encourage you to park in the East lot to make room for all our new friends if you are able to do that.
Lastly, one of my favorite things to do on Easter is attend the Sunrise Service at 6:30 am. The community is welcome. This service is planned and led by our youth ministry program. It is also the only service where we will be serving Communion on April 20th. It is also a great way to connect with your home church before you go to Grandma’s house.
Happy Holy Week friends,
PS- If you are looking for someone to go to see the Chosen movies with, please text me. I would love to go too! Also, thank you to Freida Ferguson who helped with the Bishop’s reception. I left her name off the list in my thank you last week.