We now enter the 6th week of the Lenten Season. This last week of Jesus' life is also called Holy Week.
Jesus began this week riding a young donkey 
into the gates of Jerusalem. Most everyone greeted Him with loud shouts of "Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The religious regulators were upset with such an uproar from the crowd of people who knew Jesus and His healing among the poor, ill, and crippled. It was only appropriate to celebrate His coming.
Things went from bad to worse as the week progressed. With Jesus' popularity the Jewish rulers planned to do away with this rising star. Little did they know that their hate-filled plan only advanced the kingdom of God's mercy and grace to the entire world.
Today the followers of Christ all over the world celebrate Jesus' victory. But the week before His resurrection Jesus' life and the lives of His followers entered a terrible tribulation. This week let's make time to remember the horrific sufferings of Christ for our sins.
Easter or Resurrection Day celebrates the victory God gave His Son Jesus over death, hell, and the grave. Our Sunday morning celebration service at 10:30 includes special music from our children and adults. Let's pack out our church sanctuary with 150 in attendance.
Our SonRise Service begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by a pitch-in fellowship breakfast at the OutPost beginning at 9:00. Sunday School will not meet that day.
Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames will be presented by Richmond New Creations this evening beginning 7:00 p.m. Church van will leave 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m. commemorates the extinguishing life of Christ in His last days before the crucifixion.
Children's Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. We need tons of candy. Both Day Care and Church children enjoy this fun time. Please bring your candy anytime this week.
The world’s largest piñata was built in Philly and stuffed with 8,000 lbs. of candy. A wrecking ball was used to crack it open- we will not do this.
Easter Sunday is the most celebrated day of the year for Christians. After Christ arose from the dead, He told His disciples to go to the ends of the earth with the Good News message to forgive sins, remove guilt, and restore a relationship with God as our heavenly Father.
Our church has always believed in this mission. Our goal is to receive $1,000 to support our church in world-wide evangelism. Plan to give as God as given to you with an offering for compassion and self-denial.
Good Friday Community Service is hosted by New Testament Church of the Christ beginning 7:00 p.m.
Film: The Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson will be shown next Saturday at the church, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Lilies have been a wonderful way to remember our cherished loved ones. You may bring an Easter lily plant to display in the church sanctuary along with a card listing names which will be read in memorial next Sunday.
Relay for Life is an American Cancer Project to help fund the fight against cancer. Lori Sturgeon has signed-up our church as a team to participate in a 24-hour relay on May 21-22 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. See Lori Sturgeon for more info.
Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Floyd Sanders at 489-4898.
Church Calendar:
Sun. Apr. 17: Lenten Season- Palm Sunday
"Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" 7:00 p.m.
Thu. Apr. 21: Tenebrae Service, 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 22: Good Friday Service, Hagerstown New Testament Church of Christ, 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 23: Children's Easter Egg Hunt, 2:00 p.m.
The Passion Movie, 7:00 p.m.
Sun. Apr. 24: SonRise Service, 8:00 a.m.
Fellowship Breakfast at OutPost 9:00 a.m.
Resurrection Celebration Service, 10:30 a.m
