Week of April 6, 2025 - Fifth week of Lent

"I am about to do something new":   Lent is a forty-day (not counting six Sundays!) season that has been set aside in many church traditions as a time of preparation for the joy of Easter.    We invite you to join us on Sundays during Lent as we set aside time to reflect on God’s goodness and the life He offers us in Christ.  We do hope to see you during the Season of Lent this year.

The Lord of Hosts spoke through the prophet Isaiah: for mankind, everything truly is poised to change.  Easter is two weeks away!   Next Sunday, April 13,  is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus'  triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of the week of His "Passion", the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading up to the incomparable gift of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.  This year, Easter is on April 20.  Watch these weekly posts for information on our Passion Week (Holy Week) services and activities.  

Missions Committee Update:   We received an update from Morgan Tam of Showers of Grace in response to our inquiry on their current needs and issues.  His response illustrates again how their ministry has been involuntarily curtailed by increasing surveillance by the Chinese government.  Still, as in COVID, they have found a way to continue their service to the Lord and the people of the remote regions of China.

Here's Morgan Tam's message:
Due to the ever increasing surveillance by the government, our activities are mainly focusing on Zoom Bible study for several selected groups.
In addition to the new tension created from current high tariffs situations, there has been obvious sentiment against the US and any thing associated with American people who are doing whatever in china.
So we are taking a very cautious steps forward for planning any religious activities.

Please keep praying for us and our ministry. I am sorry that I don’t have any new activity to update you at this moment.

In His grace,
Morgan

The committee also reminds us to mark our calendars for a visit via Zoom on Sunday, June 22, by Rick Schleup, Church Partnerships Manager for Compassion International, a Christ-centered, church-driven, and child-focused ministry.   The commitee will provide additional information closer to the event,  but we do encourage everyone to Google the ministry for excellent introductory material.  Also, if anyone currently sponsors a child via Compassion International, the Committee seeks your perspective and assistance in hosting the visit.  Please contact Ralph Puckett, Abby Fellows, or Janet Grecsek.

FLOWERS FOR EASTER
The church will purchase a variety of spring potted plants to decorate the sanctuary, as usual.
Would you like to dedicate one or more to loved ones and help with the expense?  (The flowers can be in memory or in honor of someone.)
Dedication: Fill out the sheet on the clipboard next to the flowered box at the back of the sanctuary, or send your information with your check.
A list of the dedications will be in the Easter morning bulletins,
and then you can take a pot either home or — to someone who would be blessed by it!
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Three ways to make your donation - any amount appreciated:
Leave cash or check in the flower-covered box on one of the tables at the back of the sanctuary,
or
Leave a check in the offering plate with memo marked Easter Flowers
or
Send a check, with memo marked Easter Flowers, to the church before April 9.
NOTE: In order to leave time to purchase the flowers, please send your donation by Wed. April 9.
Questions? Please ask Laurie Wadsworth or a member of the Flowers Committee (Rhonda Fenton, Susan Johnson, or Ellen Bullion).

The Spring Etna Ladies Aid Rummage Sale will be held in Trumbull Hall, Etna, on Friday, May 2, from noon to 6:00 pm and on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. $5 a bag after 11:00 am on Saturday.
Donations of clean, seasonal clothing, jewelry, and small household items in good condition will be accepted at Trumbull Hall from Tuesday to Thursday (April 29-May 1).
Please, no books, exercise equipment, electronics, televisions, computers, or large furniture items.
All the funds raised will be used to benefit the Upper Valley community and service organizations.
Editor's note:  the rummage sale is truly a don't miss event!