Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:54b-57)
The season of Lent is a strange time in the church. The service is different. The music is slower and in a minor key. We talk about self-denial and repentance. The joy that we should have in church during the rest of the year is replaced with somberness. We are preparing ourselves for Christ’s death, and with Him the death of our old sinful selves. And yet, each Sunday, even during Lent, we are still celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. Each Sunday, we gather only because Christ has been raised from the dead. If Christ had not been raised, there would be no point to our gathering, as St. Paul writes: If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied (I Corinthians 15:17-19).
So, during Lent, we live in tension. We are dying to our sin, but we live in Christ. We mourn over Christ’s death, but we rejoice in His resurrection. We deny ourselves, but we receive the fullness of Christ’s gifts. In short, we practice for our life in the world. We live each day in this world, with all its pain, hurt, and failings. But we also live each day in this world in hope, knowing that Christ will come again, and he will raise us an all believers to an eternal victory. This is the now and not yet of our faith. This is our comfort and hope. This is God’s sure promise. We may be in Lent for now, but Easter is coming, and with it the joy of the resurrection. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor
| Date | Attendance | Offering | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-02 | 71 | $2,194.00 | |
| 3-05 | 67 | $669.50 | |
| 3-09 | 63 | $390.00 | |
| 3-12 | 61 | $659.50 | |
| 3-16 | 78 | $2,293.50 | |
| 3-19 | 41 | $445.00 | |
| 3-23 | 73 | $2,286.00 | $20.00 |
| 3-26 | 53 | $915.00 | |
| 3-30 | 77 | $3095.00 | |
| Food Pantry | $315.00 | ||
| Men’s Restroom | $100.00 | ||
| Parsonage Windows | $1,200.00 |
Please notify Joy if anyone could be removed from the Prayer List.
Lent Bible Study Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who was ultimately imprisoned and executed by the Nazis in 1945. His book, Life Together provides pastoral advice for the life of the Christian community. Over the weeks of Lent, we will work through his ideas as we consider how best to live out our own “Life Together.” Starting March 9, each week we will consider a different chapter of Bonhoeffer’s book. Starting with “Community,” we will then consider “The Day Together” and “The Day Apart.” Once we have a good grasp on what communal life looks like, then we will see what it is all for as we explore “Ministry” and “Confession and Communion.”
St. Paul’s Chenoa Easter Egg Hunt & Activities – Saturday, April 19 at 10AM. Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for 10 AM with games and crafts to follow. A light breakfast will be provided. Volunteers are needed to assist with games and crafts, and to help serve breakfast. If interested, please contact Kayla Ronchetto or Stacey Shrewsbury.
The Ladies Bible study group will resume meeting on Wednesday, April 30th at 2 p.m. We will be using the study book Bless These Lips: 40 days of Spiritual Renewal by Sharla Fritz. A schedule will be published starting date draws closer. The study books are at the back of church-please take one even if you will be doing the study on your own. The ladies are welcome to join the group on Wednesdays when you can. See Pam Norris if any questions.
From the book cover: Make over your words to influence your world. Oops. A mouth mishap. The words just slipped out, and there is no taking them back.
Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can affirm and teach or criticize and condemn.
By God’s grace, a mouth makeover can improve our relationships and affect our attitude toward life. Our words can enrich our connection to God as we spend more time in prayer and praise. Most important, God desires that we use the gift of speech to give Him praise, encourage others, and verbalize our faith in Christ as LORD and Savior.
Bless These lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal examines things we say that get in the way of our relationships with God and with others. Each chapter draws on lip product analogies and uses humor, anecdotes, and observations to introduce Scripture passages that address common behaviors and attitudes. And each day’s reading includes Bible study questions and suggestions for personal reflection.
… this 8-week study centers on Scripture, for it is God’s Word and His Holy Spirit that provide everything needed to develop lovely, God-pleasing lips.
Our sincere thanks to those who delivered Peace Meals the month of March. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Sincere thanks to all those who provided food for the Lenten meals and/or helped serve them. St. Paul, Lexington will provided the last three meals here at St. Paul.
Save the date – Sunday May 4 to attend the 95th birthday party to honor Fred E Rhoda. The celebration will be held at the church parish hall from 2 to 4.
His actual birthday is May 3 and if unable to attend the open house you may send a card to 406 W Owsley St, Chenoa, IL 61726.
The Chaplin at OSF – Pontiac has asked if we would be interested in helping with a growing need at the hospital. Often emergency patients come in wearing items that are soiled, damaged or destroyed. They need clothing to send these patients home. Being close to the interstate, the patient can travel home many miles. They are not looking for anything special, just the basics of NEW T-shirts, tank tops, sports bras, undergarments, sweatshirts or sweatpants, tube socks, or other foot covering. All sizes are appreciated from XXs to 3/XL. If the congregation would be interested in helping fill ‘St Clare Compassion Clothing Closet,’ they will provide a collection box. Please contact Joy if you would be interested in helping with this project.
The Chenoa Food Pantry The Chenoa Food pantry has extended thanks for the recent donations which included toilet paper & paper towels. They are currently in need of laundry soap, feminine products & shampoo/conditioner. Please consider donating to this cause.
Bobby Jolly has a combination printer scanner and Android smartphone he would like to donate to someone in need. He will be able to provide setup services for both devices if needed. Please contact him at 949-929-6031 if interested.
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