Hello Gloria Dei,
I pray you all had a good Easter celebration. At Gloria Dei, on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter, over 3400 people came through our doors to experience the events of Holy Week, culminating in the event that changed the world: the resurrection of Jesus.
As we live now in the post-Easter world, we are set free from the power of sin and death because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. And we are set free with a purpose: to love and serve our neighbors.
Our neighbors, as Jesus teaches in the parable of the Good Samaritan, are not only those we know or who live close by. No, our neighbors include those we don’t even know, many of whom live a long way from Sioux Falls.
That brings me to Mission Haiti. Gloria Dei sponsors children at a school in Du Coin, Haiti. Many of you are directly involved in sponsoring one or more children in that school. All of you are involved in praying not only for the teachers and children at the school, but also for the people of Haiti. As you know, the gang violence in Haiti is out of control, and so many good people are living in fear.
This coming Wednesday, April 10, I invite and encourage you to attend A Taste of Haiti at Gloria Dei. Dinner goes from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and worship begins at 6:00. Dinner will consist of many of Haiti’s native foods. You won’t be disappointed. There will also be other options if the Haitian fare is not for you. But please, come and enjoy.
And then during worship we’ll have opportunity to hear from Paul Perissien, the Director of Mission Haiti and Haitian native. Paul will update us on the work of Mission Haiti and the overall situation that Haiti is facing. I encourage you all to be present.
Thank you for the support you provide to Mission Haiti, and to the many, many other ministries Gloria Dei is involved with beyond our walls.
Yes, indeed. As Easter people, Christ has set us free to love and serve our neighbor.
For this weekend in worship, please read John 20:19-31.
See you in worship!
Pastor Tim
