You will probably be receiving this issue of the Newsletter as we are about to enter the most sacred period in the church year. Holy Week is a time to remember in wonder and in humility God's love manifested on a cross. We must not move too quickly toward Easter or the reality of suffering and death will lose its meaning.
I would ask you this week to ponder the words to be found in the Christian classic “The Imitation of Christ” dating back to the year 1374 and edited by Thomas a Kempis:
“Jesus has many who love his heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share his table, but few take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him. Many follow Him in the breaking of bread; but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion. Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross. Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him. But if Jesus hides himself and leaves them for a while, they fall either into complaints or into deep dejection. Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake, and not for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if he should never give them consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks. What powerthere is in pure love for Jesus – love that Is free from all self-interest and self-love.”
In our Wednesday night Lenten Series, with its theme “Living with the WHYS”, one of our programs, this one held in First Presbyterian Church of East Moriches, focused on the WHY of personal tragedy. In a most moving worship service we heard a series of readings from the scriptures, each of which spoke of an individual experiencing the pain of personal tragedy. Then a member of the congregation, Reba Dunwell, spoke of her experience several years ago of going through a divorce and then the death of her grandson in Iraq within in a few weeks. She spoke of feeling devastated and wondering about even going on. Once, while on her
Holy Week
April 5th - Palm Sunday: 10:00am
Sermon: “As He Passed By.” Lessons: Isaiah 50:4-9; Luke 19: 28-42. Choir Anthem: “Palm Branches.”
April 9th - Maundy Thursday: 7:30pm
The Seder Ceremony and Holy Communion
April 10th - Good Friday: 7:00pm
Bellport Methodist Church. Based on Seven Last Words. Rev. Rasmussen and Rev. Philipp
April 12th - EASTER: 6:00am Sunrise Service
at Bellport Dock. Meditation given by Rev. Philipp
10:00am Morning Worship
Sermon: “So We Proclaim” Lessons: I Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16: 1-8. Special music Rui Li, guest trumpeter
