Parables

Tomorrow we will look at the parables of Jesus. Why did he use parables? What was he hoping to convey? Why be mysterious?

Check out these verses from Matthew 13 in The Message (a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible).

In the next few weeks, the sermon will focus on specific parables.

Hope to see you there!

Second Sunday of Easter

Did you know that, like Christmas, Easter is not just a single day, but a liturgical season? Christian traditions and communities that follow a liturgical calendar observe Eastertide for seven weeks, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. It is a season of joyful celebration, of remembering the Resurrection and the disciples' experiences of the living Christ among them, with white or gold as the traditional liturgical color.

This Sunday we have a guest preacher, Rev. Carla Ficke, who will bring us a message on "Leap of Faith." If you would like to read the scriptures in preparation for worship, check out John 20:19-31 and Psalm 133. Our seasonal chime choir will play special music. Pastor Betty returns next week.

Holy Week

With the celebration of Palm/Passion Sunday this week, we have entered into Holy Week, the final days before Jesus' death - and resurrection. All are welcome to come to a service of Communion and Stations of the Cross on Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m., as well as our Easter celebration this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (Pancake Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.; see below for details).

In addition, Holy Week is a good time to reflect thoughtfully on scripture and the steps of Jesus. If you are looking for daily readings or prayers, I invite you to visit the following:

Sacred Space: the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits.

CRI/Voice.Institute: Biblical and theological resources for growing Christians, based in the Wesleyan tradition. In addition to the introduction to/explanation of Holy Week linked above, this site also has a schedule of suggested daily readings, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and another schedule from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Lenten Reflections from the Upper Room: Note the lectionary scripture readings on the right side of the screen.

Approaching Holy Week

Sisters and brothers, Lent is drawing to a close. This Sunday, April 9, is Palm Sunday, when we remember and celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the crowds cried "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Yet the joyful shouts turned quickly to betrayal, and as we move through the week we remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples and the "new commandment," "love one another as I have loved you," and his capture and trial by those who were disturbed by his teachings and power. On Good Friday we remember Jesus' crucifixion, the death of a man so faithful that a Roman centurion who saw it was moved to say, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" Of course, we already know the surprise twist at the end of the story as we build toward the empty tomb on Easter Sunday, April 16, but for now we walk with Jesus in our hearts toward Jerusalem.

At Highlands UMC, all are welcome to join us for Holy Week services:

Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday Worship, 10 a.m. The Gospel of Mark will be told as story - a wonderful way to hear and experience the Good News as though for the first time.

Thursday, April 13: Maundy Thursday Worship, 7 p.m. We remember how, on the night before Jesus died, he had dinner with his friends. The name "Maundy Thursday" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment, referring to the new commandment to love one another.

Sunday, April 16: Easter Sunday
Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Join us for pancakes and fellowship as we celebrate the Risen Christ! We will be accepting donations to help fund The Mayor's Homeless Initiative. Plan on attending this fundraising, resurrection event and bring your friends!
Worship, 10 a.m. Celebrate the Resurrection joyfully with word, song, and sacrament. The United Methodist Church serves open Communion - all are welcome at the Table. As is our tradition, we end Easter worship with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. What better way to praise God for the gift of new life in Christ!

Hope to see you there!