February 27

Sisters and Brothers in Christ, as we prepare to break bread and share the cup Sunday morning as a church family and community of faith, I believe the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer hold special meaning in a day and age where some people overlook the value of Christian fellowship.

“It is by the grace of God,” Bonhoeffer wrote, “that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God’s Word and Sacrament. Not all Christians receive this blessing. The imprisoned, the sick, the scattered lonely, the proclaimers of the Gospel in heathen lands stand alone. They know that visible fellowship is a blessing.”

Opportunities to enjoy the blessing of visible fellowship include the Men’s Breakfast beginning Saturday morning at 8:00 am; followed by the Thursday, 12 Noon Men’s Bible study, Room 208, in the book of Romans.

In two weeks our men of the church will come together like the disciples did on the Sea of Galilee by getting into boats at Russ Point Landing and motor boat to Pair a’ Dice Island for the annual Men’s Retreat, March 13, 14 and 15. POC: Barry Reynolds barryreynolds420@gmail.com and Mike Yoakum at mikeyoakum.29920@gmail.com.

Confirmands will gather for another session of their Confirmation/Catechism Class in Room 206 following Sunday’s 10:30 am worship service with our children and youth coming together for fellowship Sunday afternoon at 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and Christian education wing.

The Lady’s Lunch Bunch is looking forward to getting together at 11:30 am, Tuesday morning at Poncho’s Tacos & Beer, 2121 Boundary Street, Suite 103 (the old K-Mart Shopping Center). This is a good time for making new friends, enjoying good food and visiting with one another in a warm and gracious atmosphere.

Wednesday Wee Kirk begins with a 5:30 supper and the singing of hymns in the Fellowship Hall. Afterwards, we break up into small groups where we continue a lenten journey with some of the great hymns of the church as the lyrics we sing offer strong affirmations of faith. The food is great, the singing is inspiring and the small groups, warm and inviting and very engaging.

As we close out next week, a Committal Service for Herb and Marge Jarvis is scheduled for Friday, 11:00 am, in the church’s Memorial Garden & Columbarium. As we thank God for the friendship and lives of Herb and Marge, we will also celebrate the Christian hope of the resurrection.

On this Friday afternoon, dancing between raindrops, may we hold tight to the conviction that wherever we may be, we are held together solely in Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless and keep you. +