Week of April 20, 2025 - He is risen indeed - Easter 2025.

"It is finished":   When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. -  John 19:30 (ESV).  In Jerusalem, from Palm Sunday through Good Friday, Jesus finished his redemptive work for us on the cross at Calvary (Golgotha).   The joy of His resurrection on Easter morning absolutely required the (seeming) bleakness of Good Friday to happen.  Jesus, the Lamb of God, without blemish, was our perfect, once and for all sacrifice, atoning for all of humankind's sins, past, present, and to come.  

We look forward to seeing you at our Maundy Thursday  service (7pm in Etna), Good Friday service (7pm at Hanover Center), and on Easter morning (6:30 am sunrise service outside at Hanover Center, breakfast in Etna starting at 7 am, and Easter celebration at 10 am in Etna)!  On Sunday morning, we may all shout with joy: He is risen indeed!

Missions Committee - Stand with Me Trip to Guatemala:  The Missions Committee recently received interesting news from Stand with Me, an innovative ministry which provides standing frames to children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities which prevent them from standing upright. Stand with Me is currently preparing for a trip to Guatemala May 17-23. Currently they have 11 people coming including college kids, a physical therapist, carpenter, nurse practitioner, 4 interpreters, and a photographer. They would love to add 2-3 people to the team from our church -- especially another physical therapist or occupational therapist -- but any volunteers are welcome. They will use any skills that folks have! To read more about the trip, simply click here to read a copy of the note received by the Missions Committee.

This is late breaking news; their goal is to finalize their roster for the trip by April 21. If you have any interest or questions, contact any member of the committee: Ralph Puckett, Janet Grecsek, or Abby Fellows.

More Late-Breaking News:  The Missions Committee also reports a wonderful update from Ukraine. After two wars with the Russians—ten years apart—serious wounding and prolonged separation, Major R has been released from the Ukrainian Army! Thankfully, he is well and hopes to rejoin Jenica, Mia, Ernie, and Edmund by Easter. The whole family is most grateful for the support and prayers from their brothers and sisters around the world, including Etna and Hanover Center. The Missions Committee will pass along any additional news as it comes.

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!