We are so excited to start gathering back in person after 2 years apart!
These past few years have been challenging in so many ways and yet we proved time and time again that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
First, we want to say a huge thank you to those that made the digital worship experiences possible over the last few years. The time, talent, patience, and courage it took from each of you to create, lead, and worship in this new way was and continues to be inspiring. If this new way of worship was a helpful way for you to gain access to our community and our ministries, do not worry – our online access to all our ministries is not going anywhere. Going forward, our plan is for all ministries and experiences to be accessible to everyone both in person and online.
Meanwhile, many of us long to be together in person. We are delighted to have that opportunity starting Next Sunday, April 10th. Leadership has dedicated months to discern and make decisions to get us to this point.
Here are the church’s expectations for how we will spend our time together in person.
Holy Week Schedule:
Sunday April 10 – Palm Sunday
10:00am – Bible Study in the Narthex
10:00am – Older Kid Bible Study in the Sanctuary (RSVP Required)
10:30am – Younger Kid Bible Study in the Sanctuary (RSVP Required)
11:00am – Worship in the Sanctuary
Thursday April 14 – Maundy Thursday
5:00pm – Worship in the Sanctuary
Friday April 15 – Good Friday
12:00pm – Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday April 17 – Easter
10:00am – Bible Study in the Narthex
10:00am – Older Kid Bible Study in the Sanctuary (RSVP Required)
10:30am – Younger Kid Bible Study in the Sanctuary (RSVP Required)
11:00am – Worship in the Sanctuary
In person, we will:
Be fully vaccinated (if eligible) and show proof of vaccination every time we enter the building.
Respect social distancing standards.
Share our love and excitement through words and not physical touch.
Always wear a mask over the nose and mouth, unless otherwise instructed.
Understand that these expectations will be implemented with the possibility of removal in cases where guidelines are not met.
We understand:
We are still an active construction site and will not go into restricted areas for my own safety.
We do not have main floor accessible bathrooms. Using the bathrooms will require a staff member to accompany me because of the construction.
It is 100% okay if I am not ready to come back yet. I am loved just the same.
We have been apart for two years, we have changed and grown in so many ways and will refrain from commenting on physical looks and emotional tenderness.
We will continue to evaluate the best practices for the health and safety of our community and will be updated as things change.
We look forward to seeing you in person as you feel ready starting April 10th. We are so grateful to share in the love of God with each of you.
Pastor Kaji and Rev. Stephanie
Children and Youth Ministry Update
from Nordia Bennett, Children’s Minister
Happy Spring!
Last Sunday, the 10:30am (3rd grade or younger) children dived deep into the illustrative account of Palm Sunday in The Sparks Story Bible--- where we chatted about the meaning of joy, how to embrace the joy that we have unlimited access to. The 10:00am (4th grade or older) youth explored Mark 21:1-11, where we wrestled with the sacredness of Jesus’ arrival and what it means to give and receive love.
This Sunday, the 10 am (4th grade or older) youth will explore John 20:1-2, 11-18. The 10:30am (3rd grade or younger) children will explore, “The Empty Tomb” in The Sparks Story Bible.
It's Springtime. There's more daylight. And things are about to sprout! After nearly three years, Bonita Jackson is finally returning to a stage (in a play that she's written)!!! You are cordially invited to This Soil, These Seeds…
Come experience this play which is filled with healing, growth, dirt, and roots! Directed by Alex Randrup, This Soil, These Seeds… is infused with movement, poetry, and original music composed and played live by Kristin Vining.
🌿Synopsis: A drama therapist journeys to uncover the roots of three strangers whose mother-daughter issues are buried deeper than seeds under soil. But the strangers find themselves in an unexpected multigenerational family intervention.
🌿Dates and Times:
April 7th - 9th @ 7:30PM
April 14th - 16th @ 7:30PM
April 21st - 23rd* @ 7:30PM
April 28th - 30th @ 7:30PM
*April 23rd - matinee @ 2:30PM and evening @ 7:30PM
🌿Tickets (Click here to purchase tickets):
The ticket cost to see This Soil, These Seeds... is $39. If you need a discount, please email bonitacjackson@gmail.comand she will see what she can do. There is a cheaper ticket which is attached to Super Secret Arts (SSA) pretty cool membership model. For $25, members can see any and every show at SSA for the month of April (including This Soil, These Seeds...). The membership can be canceled.
Pandemic of Love is a mutual aid community of care that was started in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. It humbly began on March 14th, 2020 by one person and was intended to help her own local community. But, like an epidemic, the act of love and kindness spread quickly and is now a beautiful movement helping those in need throughout the world.
What is a mutual aid community? It connects people in need with patrons who can help with that need. This is a tangible way for people to give to each other, quickly, discretely and directly.
What’s the catch? There is none. Kind people are introduced to kind people which results in an act of kindness and human connection.
