FPCR April Newsletter 2022
Dear Saints,
We have been journeying through the Season of Lent using our daily devotions, working with our homemade playdough reminding ourselves “God is the potter, we are the clay.” Also, we have been learning of the spiritual disciplines from the book: Sacred Rhythms- Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation such as: Creating Space for God, Lectio Divina, Prayer, Honoring the Body, Examen, Discernment, Sabbath Rest, and Rule of Life. Now, we are getting ready for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
We’ll be waving palm branches for Palm Sunday, April 10. Remembering when Jesus took the servant’s role of washing the disciples’ feet and sharing bread and cup at the Last Supper during the Maundy Thursday services, April 14, 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. It is a ‘cheap grace experience’ to skip the remembrance of what happened on Good Friday, April 15– so from 10:00 am -8:00 pm the sanctuary will be open for prayer, self-reflection, and a tracing of Jesus’ experience of death on the cross for us. Two officers of the church will be in attendance throughout Good Friday Prayer Time so you may enter through the sanctuary doors.
As we celebrate the risen Lord on Easter Sunday, April 17, please bring cut flowers from your garden, your neighbor’s or the store to add to the beauty of our floral cross in addition to the Easter lilies and hydrangeas that will be placed throughout the sanctuary. “He has risen, He has risen indeed!”
Please give a pat on the back to all the currently serving elders and deacons that will be “Canoeing the Mountains” on a retreat at the church on Saturday, April 2. They will be continuing to learn how to navigate the journey ahead for our church in the present times and culture. Also a pat and a hug to those that participated in the Membership Matters Classes: Marian Lewis, Ray Sanford, Phil and Janet Hatfield, Chrysten Wetzel, James, and Rose Mayers Debbie Hobby, Kellie Miller, Polly Timberlake, Dick Smith, Karin Westerlund and Pastor Val.
We will celebrate Carolyn Lay Day, Sunday, April 24 for all her love and dedication for the Art School. Carolyn (with support of husband, Bill, son, Joe and many teachers and students) served many years of sharing her love of art with the local community, bringing the church family and others together to paint, share and dream.
If the Sacred Rhythms Sermon Series has helped you new habits to be closer to God for prayer, guidance, scripture reading, maintaining peace in your heart and you want to learn more? May I suggest that you join us for the Sacred Rhythms Class to be offered Sunday, April 10th, 9:00am and April 12th, Tuesdays, 1:00 pm in the library. In six sessions, we will review and dig a little deeper on the spiritual practices that can open us up to God’s transforming love and the changes only God can bring about in our lives. Please register for either class in the narthex or call the church office 479-636-5542.
Easter Blessings, Pastor Val
Planning ahead:
June 26 celebration for Bill and Carolyn Lay’s 75th Anniversary!
Mother’s Day, May 8 and Father’s Day, June 19: the Worship Committee offering an opportunity for each special Sunday. The church family may choose to make a contribution to add to a big, beautiful bouquet for all to enjoy during each of the worship services. Instead purchasing individual plants, we will create a big display of love in honor and/or in memory of our parents. More information coming from the Worship Committee.