This week is like no other. It’s Holy Week. The one week out of the entire year that our thoughts turn toward Jerusalem –“The City of Peace” – and remember the events of that first Easter week. Just last week I walked from the Mount of Olives through the Garden of Gethsemane into Old Jerusalem. As I mentioned, I traced the footsteps of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa and made my way to Golgotha and the Garden tomb. I encourage you to “walk the same” in these days, if not physically, spiritually and emotionally. Please don’t let this just be another week to “cross off” your calendar; let it be a week to truly cling to the cross. You may want to follow the events of the week by reading Mark 11-16.

We began this week celebrating the joy of Palm Sunday with palm branches being waved high by our children and by exuberant worship flowing from our people to God. We enjoyed a great lunch together and an Easter egg hunt for all our kids. God is alive and showing Himself at First Church! Join us this Thursday at noon for lunch and a special Maundy Thursday Communion Service for the entire family, and then Friday night at 7:30 for our Good Friday Worship experience led by our Minister of Music, Terri Morton and our Choir.

Sunday we will celebrate with our Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00am led by Kirk Norman, followed by breakfast prepared by our Guardian men. We’ll worship at 9:30 and again at 10:45 with our Sunday morning classes meeting at their regular time. Be sure to be present and invite a family member or friend to join you!

As always, we will receive a special Easter offering, and each church family is encouraged to give. We have given to Edmond New Covenant UMC and Skyline Ministries in recent weeks, so this offering will go to support the expanding ministries of First Church. Thank you in advance for bringing your best gift. I’ve heard it said that God has the cattle on a thousand hills. If God has entrusted you with “some of his cattle,” I’d encourage you to prayerfully consider selling a “head or two” and giving it to your church at this time. God is our source – even in uncertain economic times. Thanks for your continued faithfulness!

This promises to be a great Holy Week. I look forward to seeing you here for my first Holy Week with you! Blessings!

In Christ’s love,
Mark