Dear Friends of the Wholeness Service,
Greetings from Holy Week 2019! This week annually provides a space with opportunities to nurture our reflection upon the meaning of Jesus’ teaching, suffering, death, and resurrection. No week is more sacred in the journey of the Christian-year. It is with such reflection and joy that we anticipate the April 28th Wholeness Service the week after Easter. The topic will be on acceptance – a radical reality in Jesus.
Last month guest leader Rev. Steve Buchele (who helped lead the services for 4 years) spoke about compassion in relation to an attitude of hospitality. In talking with Steve afterwards, he said, “Compassion means to suffer alongside, and if that suffering is authentic, it elicits a response. Sometimes that response is Mercy, other times it is Grace. They say mercy is not getting what you deserve, while grace is getting something you did not earn or deserve.” Interesting reflection on the different implications of the two! Holy Week is full of mercy and grace, and we hope you experience an abundance of compassion and love.
After our service on the 28th’, we will be hosting a reception downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. It is an opportunity to visit with singers, musicians, other leaders and each other. An elevator is available. We hope you will plan to attend. And we ask that your pray for its success.
As always last month Ginger Mann and the Little Choir led us in heavenly Spirit-filled music! Prayers of gratitude and thanks to Ginger and all the singers and instrumentalists. In addition, we ask for special prayers for protection, provision, and adjustment for our music leaders this month as they move down onto the main floor of the sanctuary in order to be more united with the rest of the worshiping congregation. This move will also impact the wonderful work that Judy Turnbull, Bren Helmka, and their helper Evonne Welp do each service with the candles and communion altar. Please continue to pray for patience and success in making physical adjustments to our services.
I would also hold up in gratitude all those including Bill Marsh who coordinates at FUMC to help make the services happen, Sandy Pitman who runs the sound board, along with greeters and helpers to set up and take down the sanctuary for the services. The services are truly a community effort.
Please continue to keep all the leadership and participants in your prayers and let others know about our Taize wholeness services. We are grateful to you for your participation & prayers. Our next service is Sunday April 28th at 6:30 pm at First United Methodist Church. We hope to see you there!
In Christ’s love,
Rev Dr Ann Hagmann
