Check the Rock
A local gift shop is selling a rock hanging from a string. The sign below it has these instructions:
Check the rock.
If the rock is wet, it’s raining.
If the rock is swinging, it’s windy.
If it’s dry, it’s not raining.
If you cannot see the rock, it’s foggy.
If the rock has been blown away, look out for the tornado.
Clever. There is something profound about checking the rock.
As we approach Easter, a rock is a central object in the story. The rock has been moved and as people look at it, they are trying to understand what is going on. Those burying Jesus used the rock as the guarantee that he was not dead and entombed. They rolled the rock in front of the tomb and put a seal on it. In the next part of the story, the rock is removed, and an angel is sitting upon it. The angel speaks to Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene, giving them the news that Jesus was no longer in the tomb. In Matthew’s Gospel we learn that the soldiers, upon hearing that Jesus was gone, bribed the guards to lie about Christ’s resurrection, saying that his body was stolen. In the final account from Mark, we find the two Marys again, wondering how to get the stone rolled away so they could anoint Jesus’ body; they say that “the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” The action of the story is tied to the rock.
I am guessing that many of us enter Holy Week with questions on our minds. Checking the rock might help in gaining clarity.
• Are you wondering what Easter is all about?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering how to be set free from your fear of death?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering how to be set free from your addictions?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering about how to be delivered from the sting of death?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering if Christianity is relevant to you today?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering if Jesus is who he said he is?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering if Jesus really conquered death?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering if Jesus is alive today?
Check the Rock!
• Are you wondering if he keeps his promises?
Check the Rock!
Blessings,
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Easter 2023
Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! In addition to our Easter Sunday services, we will offer Lenten services and Easter activities for the entire family. Find all the information on our website.
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The Commons Project Update
The Commons Project will provide an inviting outdoor setting to welcome community, encourage outreach, and expand capacity for worship.
This week focused on construction of concrete footings for seat walls, steps, and site walls; and materials for the underground storm water detention system were delivered. Next week the pavilion will be moved to its new location, and footing construction will continue.
To stay up to date and to make your gift to The Commons Project, visit our website.
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RUMC Kitchen Updates
Roswell UMC is hosting dine-in Community and Fellowship Lunches in the Fellowship Hall every Tuesday. Also join us for Wednesday Night Supper every Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall. Take-out and frozen meals will also be available for purchase. Pre-order and find all the details here.
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The Chessie Pelfrey United Methodist Women Circle
The Chessie Pelfrey United Methodist Women Circle will meet on Monday, April 3 at 11 a.m. in the Parlor, Chapel building. All women are invited. Lunch reservations ($6) are required; contact Mary Hagerman, 770.993.9496.
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Easter Sunday Brunch
Please join us for a time of great food and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall and Dining Room immediately following the 11:15 a.m. Easter Sunday services. A cash donation of $5 per person is encouraged but not required.
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Adult Bible Studies
Interested in Bible study? Check out these new offerings: Job and the Life of Faith, The Book of James, and Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples. For more information go to our website or contact Debbie Goodwin.
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The Nidaros Cathedral Boys' Choir
With its nearly 1000-year tradition, The Nidaros Cathedral Boys' Choir from Norway will be our guest at the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, April 16. Visit our website for more information.
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RUMC Preschool & Kindergarten
RUMC Preschool & Kindergarten has limited openings for the 2023-24 school year. This SACS/AdvancED accredited program serves children 18 months through kindergarten. For more Information or to schedule a tour: 770.998.8699 or visit our website.
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The RUMC Library
The RUMC Library in the Chapel building Parlor has a wonderful selection of books, DVDs, and puzzles for all ages with easy self-checkout available. Donations of bestsellers or puzzles in good condition are welcome.
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The Charis Gallery
Hand in Hand is the current exhibit in Charis Gallery, featuring 18 works by 10 local and international artists. Many of the works are available for purchase. Stop by and enjoy this thoughtful exhibit.
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Second Sunday Communion
Second Sunday Communion in April will be observed during the Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday at 6:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Visit our website for all the information.
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The Giving Garden
The Giving Garden is where community and faith thrive and flourish. We are ready for another great season of sharing the bounty with our mission partners and the surrounding areas. Want to join the fun? Contact Lauren Murphy.
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D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E. (Disaster Assistance and Recovery Effort) is RUMC’s mission team that responds to natural disasters across Georgia and neighboring states. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, contact Leonard Scarboro, 706.340.2221.
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The RUMC Mission Booth
The RUMC Mission Booth at City Antiques needs your donations of gently used furniture and household items to help make the booth successful. All proceeds support RUMC missions. Drop off donations in the church office or contact Annette Whaley for more information at 770.634.2289.
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Special Needs Sunday School Class: RUMC is looking at providing a safe and loving Sunday School class for elementary-age children with special needs. If you would like to be part of a creative team that would provide loving support and encouragement to these children, or if you know a child with special needs (K-5) who could benefit from this program, contact Bailey Farmer.
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