FriedensNotes
Week of April 4, 2004
What Kept Him Going?
One powerful impression from the movie "The Passion of the Christ" is that Jesus was determined to complete the tortuous journey to the cross. He only spoke when his words served to convict him; he didn't speak when he could have exonerated himself. And he struggled all the way to the hill of crucifixion despite physical abuse that few of us could endure. Why was he so determined? What drove him up that path? One answer is found in Hebrews 12:3: "Consider him who endured such hostility from sinful men, so that you might not grow weary and lose heart." This Easter season, each of us can gain new strength and hope on our life's path, knowing we have a loving Savior who, inspired by our need, went on before us and committed the ultimate sacrifice.
'40 Days' Draw Nearer
There's still time to sign up for a "40 Days of Purpose" small group, but don't wait too long because they are filling up fast. Call Theresa Zahurance at 268-6839 about space availability in the 30-some groups being formed or check the sign-up board in the church lobby. Also, you can buy your materials now at the table in Memorial Hall. Group leaders, please attend an orientation at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, between worship services.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday with regular worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. On Maundy Thursday, April 8, the sanctuary will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. for devotional time and altar communion. Stay as long as you like. On Good Friday, April 9, there will be a 7 p.m. worship service. On Easter Sunday, there will be three worship services -- 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Communion will be served at all three services. A full breakfast will be served in Memorial Hall at 8 a.m. and a continental breakfast afterward. A free-will offering will be requested. Invite a friend. Since attendance is expected to be quite large at the later services, please consider attending one of the two earlier services. Easter is one of two times of year—Christmas being the other—when people normally don't attend church feel they should attend. Invite a friend to Friedens this week.
Mark Your Calendars
- The 7th and 8th grade girls Bible Study will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Katos, next door to church. Call Kathy Kato for more info.
- The Contemporary Worship Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.
- On Tuesday, there will be a special choir rehearsal at 6:30 p.m. followed by a special worship team rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.
- The Teen Bible Study will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Call Doug and Marci Ferrell at 375-1009 for more info.
- The Recovery Group meets Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the church. Call Lee and Dyane Sloane for more info at 387-1526.
- The Men's Bible Fellowship, now studying the last week of Jesus, meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at church.
- The Thursday morning prayer group meets at 6:30 a.m. in Pastor Mark's office. All are welcome.
- The 7th and 8th grade guys Bible Study will meet at church. Call Pastor Mark Kato for more info.
- The Junior High groups will make an outing to Gurnee Mills on April 9.
Helps and Hollers
- The Missions Committee needs small Pringles or Crystal Light containers for a future project. You can drop them off at Pastor Kato's office.
- Nursery volunteers are needed for Easter Sunday. Call the church office at 284-2471.
- The Food Pantry special needs this week include cereal, soup, pancake mix, soap and cash donations for Easter hams.
- Pray for Friedens family members enduring cancer, including Lila Kohn, Evelyn Schuh, Dawn Uselding, Brandon Novack, Jack Wallisch.
Did the Resurrection Really Happen?
Can we believe the resurrection story or is it, as skeptics proclaim, a fairy story with no historical basis. Josh McDowell answers the skeptics: Go to: http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html.
Hard Times, Growing Opportunities
Most Christians, at one time or another, will ask God why He allows pain and disappointment to touch His children. When we meet the Lord face to face, we'll have an opportunity to ask Him in person. It may be that His answer will be: "Those things happened because I was answering your prayers, to give you what you asked for!" To read more, go to: http://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/1252480.html.
Church Shopping Blues
"Jesus Christ said his followers should deny themselves and follow him. When seeking a church, I think this means we search for a healthy congregation where we'll grow. But equally importantly, I think this means we search for a congregation were we'll be able to contribute to the spiritual growth of others." Read more about the perils of being a church shopper.
FriedensNote is the weekly e-mail newsletter of Friedens Evangelical Church, 454 N. Milwaukee St., Port Washington, WI 53074. For more information on the church, call (262) 284-2471 or visit our website, www.friedenschurch.org. If you'd like to subscribe, unsubscribe, or have questions, e-mail us at friedens@sbcglobal.net, with "FriedensNote" in the subject field.
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454 N. Milwaukee Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-2471