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This Sunday: Let's connect with the Lord's example
The Christian faith is founded on the idea that Jesus was born into the world to live out all the prophesies of the Word about Him in His short lifetime. As a child He was "filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." (Luke 2:40) And throughout His ministry, Jesus was transforming Himself so that His resurrection was the fullness of grace and truth (wisdom).
"In the beginning was the Word...
in Him was life...
and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory...
full of grace and truth...
And of His fullness we have all received"
(John 1:1,4,14,16)
What does this mean for us as "New Church Christians"? I think it means that the more we live like the Lord and act from grace and truth, the more we will experience spiritual transformation, and the more fully alive we will feel.
This Sunday I want to continue to share about this and ask, what would it be like to connect with the Lord and taste a sense of "fullness" or fulfillment the Lord wants us each to receive?
What spiritual transformation are you currently hoping for in your life?
Easter worship services
Palm Sunday - March 28 @ 11 am
Good Friday - April 2 @ 7 pm
Easter Sunday - April 4
(7 am outdoors, and 11 am indoors)
Easter is coming... are you?
With more people getting vaccinations and the incidence of Covid on the decline, I encourage you to consider coming back to the church to meet and greet your friends in person, and to participate in the community of our church. It's not going to be "the same as it was" or a return to "pre-Covid normal" - in fact, I'm hoping it will be better! I'm optimistic that "absence makes the heart
grow fonder!" We have much to do together! And perhaps the first step is to worship and to celebrate the Lord's work and His resurrection.
With love and respect and anticipation,
Nathan
nathan@sunrisechapel.org 520-820-5148
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Please keep these dear friends and their families in your thoughts and prayers, and consider reaching out in any way that will seem nurturing.
As I noted last week, our dear "kitchen lady," Kitty Aughey, passed into the spiritual world Thursday, March 11. She will be joining her son, Greg, who died in 2009 and her brother, Tom who died in 2015. She leaves behind her other three sons, Steve, Dave, and Rob. A memorial service is being planned, but no date has been set yet.
Our friend, Joan Finley, lost her grandson, Bobby suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was 31 years old and leaves behind his wife, Molly, and a daughter, Freya, just 20 months old. Please pray for Joan, her daughter, Theresa, and the rest of the family during this very hard time.
Also, Jeanne Ross sends her love and asks for your prayers for healing. She went into the hospital for a heart procedure, but it didn't go as expected. She is now back at home recovering with great care.
Nathan
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Our spiritual task in preparation for Easter:
"Read the Word"
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This task was introduced last Sunday in the sermon about the nature of the Lord's Word - being like a puzzle to figure out. There is no small group currently working on this task - but I encourage each of us to take it on as preparation for our Easter celebrations.
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Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations in Friendship Hall
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Thank you so much to Mike Villeburn for overseeing the renovations being done in the kitchens and the men's bathroom closest to the entrance of Friendship Hall. New tile is being installed, damage to walls and cabinets is being repaired, cabinets are being cleaned, shelves being put up. There will be two new dishwashers. Many items throughout the kitchens have been reorganized into beautiful,
functional order. The men's bathroom is also getting a makeover. There is so much going on, you'll want to see it to understand!
And thank you to Claudia Osmus for all the support she is giving Mike and for her skillful reorganization. Elise Gladish has also been a helper to Claudia during this transformation.
These renovations are being funded largely through money received from a foundation grant and from the Sunrise Chapel Women's Guild. I am so grateful for their generosity!
Look for photos in my next report! Or come in and see for yourself!
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A wrap-up meeting this Monday at 2 pm
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This has been a great group, and I invite anyone to join for one final celebration of learning this Monday at 2 pm. Instead of focusing on one chapter or topic, I will take questions about anything to do with the New Church. It'll be fun to find out what your questions are!
Join Zoom Meeting on Monday at 2 pm
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Spiritual Growth Group on Wednesdays at 2
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Celebration this Wednesday March 24 at 2 pm
This will be a "catch up" meeting for everyone - especially anyone who has missed any meetings during the series. We'll focus on the task "Don't Give Up" which is a very important mantra when it comes to our spiritual growth.
If the link doesn't work, open your Zoom app and use these credentials:
Meeting ID: 977 8963 3363
Passcode: choosejoy
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Your church home for partnering with the Lord and each other in the practice of cultivating spiritual growth and choosing heavenly joy
www.sunrisechapel.org
nathan@sunrisechapel.org Office 520-298-1245
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