I was blown away by worship last week! If you happened to miss it, I highly recommend tuning in. And if you were inspired by the book I discussed in the sermon, I highly encourage you to find it here (at this Black Woman-owned bookstore).
This week, we’re in the Gospel of John in one of my favorite stories: the raising of Lazarus. The full story from John 11 is pretty long, so you’ll only hear a piece of it. While I’ll summarize in the sermon, I do recommend that you take a look at the full chapter before you come, so that it’s fresh. As you prepare, I encourage you to consider the following: what does Jesus’ reaction to Lazarus’ illness and death mean to you?
It’s a rich text and I can’t wait to dive in with you on Sunday.
Pax Christi,
Pastor Kaji
Scripture: John 11:17-27 (Year A, p. 314):
17 When Jesus arrived [in Bethany], he found that for four days Lazarus had already been in the tomb. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 So, many of the Judeans had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she met him, however Mary remained at the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Rabbi, if you had been here, my brother would never have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even though they die, they will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Rabbi, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who comes into the world.”
Pastor Kaji’s office hours are Tuesdays between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Please reach out to the church office to schedule an appointment regarding Pastoral Care and Other Church Business.
PACK 2023 [Park Avenue Church Kitchen 2023]
Funding PACC’s Kitchen!!
Dear Congregation,
It is with great enthusiasm that Park Avenue Christian Church announces the completion of the First Phase of construction. The Banquet Hall, Social Hall, Pantry, Conference Rooms, Bathrooms and Offices are complete. It has been a long process to get to this point!
However, we are not yet done! What is not complete is a kitchen. This is necessary to the functioning of the Banquet Hall and other associated planned revenue streams. A fully functioning kitchen will make that possible. Its completion is crucial to the future viability of the church.
We are reaching out to all congregation members to consider making what contribution[s] they can. Our needs are great. Current cost estimate is $291,000! It is not within the 2023 budget to cover this. Please help!
In the coming weeks, a campaign begins which will consist of an email to each congregation member followed by a phone call from volunteers for this campaign. Please use this as an opportunity to communicate your personal experience at The Park, what you would like to see improve, how The Park fits in with your future plans, and to express what your donation means to you (and to The Park). Your donation is tax deductible. Park Avenue Christian Church is a 501(c)(3) organization.
The show will feature art by local parishioners, plus 15 pieces by Ukrainian artists Sonia Atlantova & Olexander Klimenko—depicting icons on ammunition boxes. Proceeds will benefit a mobile hospital in Ukraine.
Opening reception on Thursday, May 11th, from 7 PM to 9:30 PM, in Wallace Hall.
Light refreshments will be served.
Art will be on display in Wallace Hall on Friday, May 12th, from Noon to 5 PM, and Saturday, May 13th, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
