Palms to Passion:

      Jesus' Jerusalem Journey

Jesus arrives at the gate and a flash mob appears.

"Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!"

The prophet and teacher has arrived...the Messiah, the Chosen One...on a donkey at the city gate opposite the one where the government officials arrive. 

And the 'Hosannas' turn into 'Crucify Him!' Not only is there a collision with the Jewish Institution - but one as well with the government. 

The coming holy week is one of high 'highs' and low 'lows'.  We are invited to experience the emotion of praise, betrayal, death, & victory in the One who was sent to be one of us, to live & suffer with us, and to stretch his arms over us in victory over death. 

Worship this Sunday recounts the Palms & the Passion - preparing us for the final lessons of love, service, and obedience found at the table, in trial, and on the cross. We will worship and praise God for the witness of Christ on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday evenings & Easter Sunday Morning.   

Blessed is he who was and is and is to come!
Hosanna in the highest!

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on your faith journey, know that you are most welcome here.

Worship on Sundays is at 8 & 10:15 AM & 6 PM. 

In Christ,
Pastor Tina +

Mission & Ministry Notes:
WEDNESDAY LENT VESPERS:
Tonight, April 5, is our final Lent Vespers service. We are focusing on the change that is inevitable in our lives and how we respond to that change.  Out topic tonight is 'Change of Plans.' We meet in the sanctuary and are led by the confirmation students.  Please come.

FIRST FRIDAY (Middle School Event):
April 7 is the date and 6 PM is the time.  This month is "A Night at the Movies."  We'll be watching a classic: The Princess Bride.  Bring a friend (or family) to watch the movie and enjoy some popcorn & snacks.  Others are welcome to watch this movie with us.  It's inconceivable that you'd miss out.  But as you wish...
MAUNDY THURSDAY SOUP & BREAD SUPPER:  
This Thursday, April 13, we will meet at 6:30 pm to share a potluck soup and bread supper before worship.  Worship will then start at 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall.  Please come for a meal and the worship.
 
EASTER DECORATING:  
On Saturday April 15 @ 10 AM, we will decorate the sanctuary for worship.  Hands to arrange flowers, change vestments, and touch up the building are welcome and appreciated. We’ll also set tables, etc., up for breakfast.
 
EASTER FLOWERS:
Each year the church is decorated with spring flowers that are grown by the Newton High School Agriculture Department.  This year, we are ordering Easter lilies, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  Each plant is $10 and may be dedicated in memory, honor, or thanksgiving of friends and family.  Deadline to sign up is today, April 9.
 
EASTER BREAKFAST:
Easter Sunday brings joy and a shared first meal!  From 8:30 am to 11:45 am, you are invited to share in a potluck breakfast with one another.  Please let us know what you are going to brings – we are looking for egg dishes, sweet breads and pastries, and fruit.  There is a sign up in the Narthex for that along with one for set up and clean up.

SUCCESS!  THANK YOU!
Thanks to the hands that cleaned and spruced up the house for company.  Your efforts helped to make all the events shine...

Because last weekend, two amazing events happened at SOTH and they both were great successes.  Connect for Community had its first “A Night Under the Stars” fundraising dinner – and it SOLD OUT!  If you haven’t heard about this ministry that is housed here, ask us!  It’s incredible what a small idea can do to make positive change.
 
Our 3^rd Lent Fish Fry was a huge success.  Many thanks to Rob, Sam, & Solveig for organizing the event and all the folks that cleaned, set up, served, and cleaned up!  218 dinners (mostly fish) were served! We look to have made near $2000. 

CHURCH OFFICE & PT:
The church office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 17.  Pastor Tina will be at "Clergy Crash" at Crossroads Camp until Wednesday April 19.  She'll be available by phone should there be pastoral emergencies.