Pastor’s Note – April 1, 2023

Happy Spring!

In my humble opinion, it is the most beautiful time of the year! The days are getting longer, the weather is turning warmer, the daffodils are blooming, birds are hurriedly building their nests, and as I look out my window, I see blossoms beginning to bud on trees. There is no doubt that spring has sprung. And with the arrival of spring comes the anticipation of the greatest week on the church calendar. This Sunday begins what is traditionally known as Passion Week.

The word passion stems from the Latin word ‘passio’ which means suffering. Thus, Passion Week speaks of the suffering Jesus endured as He approached and ultimately hung on the cross. As we’ve been learning in our current series, Jesus was forged that we may be forged. And so fittingly, our theme for Passion Week this year comes directly from our study. Inspired by the verse above, our theme is “Risen Hope.” Together, through the eyewitness account of the Apostle Peter, we’re going to see how a thread of hope runs through Jesus’ suffering. Just as Passion Week ironically rests inside this beautiful season of spring, so too does a beautiful hope rest through Passion Week.

This Sunday, we begin by joining the crowds “Longing for Hope” as they cheered for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds had their own hopes for Jesus’ arrival. Their hopes were for Jesus to come and cater to their own personal, political, and practical interests. But of course, Jesus’ purpose was to make way for a much greater hope… A Risen Hope.

Take some time to prepare your heart for Sunday by reading Mark 11:1-11. As you read, I invite you to place yourself amongst the crowd. Would you be cheering? If so, what would you be hoping for? By God’s grace, let’s praise Him that He’s opened our eyes to the greater hope!

Here’s the worship set to help you prepare as well!

Love you church,

Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor