Hello Gloria Dei,
We are in the midst of Holy Week. This past weekend we moved through the events of Palm Sunday. Last night, Maundy Thursday, we shared in the Lord’s Supper, together with many of our young people who celebrated their first communion. Today is Good Friday and this evening we hear Jesus’ seven last words, spoken from the cross. And of course, this weekend we celebrate life winning victory over death; God winning victory over Satan; Jesus coming out of the grave assuring us of, by faith in him, abundant and eternal life.
In Luke chapter 24, two men in dazzling white meet the women who come to Jesus’ tomb early on the first Easter Sunday. Jesus body is nowhere to be found. The men say to the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen.”
This Easter, ponder those words. What parts of your life need to be done away with, only to have life take their place? What regrets or past failures do you need to let go of only to have Jesus give you a brand new, fresh slate? Easter means that God’s love and forgiveness erase the mistakes and sins of your past. Easter means that Jesus is alive and accompanies you in your joys and your challenges of your life in the present. And Easter means that as you move into your future, Jesus is there with you. And one day, Easter means you will be ushered into a brand-new world and a brand-new life in heaven forever.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here. He is risen.” What great news!
Speaking of new life and new opportunities, we are saddened by Pastor Heidi’s departure as one of our pastors, yet we are delighted for her and her new congregation, Southwood Lutheran Church, in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is wonderful opportunity for Heidi to serve as the Senior Pastor of a large and vibrant church. Both Heidi and her husband Greg, together with their grown children, are excited about this new venture. We wish them all the best and give thanks for their presence and ministry among us over these past few years.
Sunday, April 27, will be Pastor Heidi’s last Sunday with us. She will be available between services to greet you. We will have baskets set up if you’d like to give Heidi a card. Again, we have been blessed by Heidi’s ministry and will continue to pray for her and her family as they embark on this new adventure in Lincoln.
One more reminder. On May 3 & 4 we celebrate Gloria Dei’s 40th birthday. Saturday worship is at our normal time of 5 p.m. But on Sunday, May 4, only one service at 9:30 a.m. so we all can be together.
Please see the remainder of Holy Week worship schedule below.
- Good Friday Worship: 6:00 p.m.
- Easter Saturday Celebration Worship with Holy Communion: 5:00 p.m.
- Easter Sunday Celebration Worship: 7:30, 8:30, 9:40, 10:50 a.m.
- (The 9:40 Service will be livestreamed)
Happy Easter!
Pastor Tim
