3 Days, 3 Weeks
Word from Wiese
3 April 2024
Good Friday to Easter Sunday. In just 3 days, so much changed!
Similarly, it’s remarkable how much change the Holy Spirit will be orchestrating at Christ Our Shepherd over the next 3 weeks. We want you to be “in the know” on the details so you can participate well:
I.
First, next Sunday will feature worship giving thanks for everything that God accomplished in our current sanctuary configuration for last 35 years, before we start our Sanctuary Renewal Project. All three services—including the 9.45 Contemporary Service!—will be held in the sanctuary as we go down memory lane a bit.
THANKS to all of you who’ve been so generous in our Rejoice and Renew campaign to financially resource all the plans of refreshment that our Team of 20 designed. Others mention they still want to give; if so, you’ll help us strengthen our scope for the organ/instrumentalist area, chancel furniture (altar/ambo/font), and eventual LED displays for hymns and liturgy.
While basketball has it’s Sweet 16, Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church features the Sweet 15 . . . the 15 final pews available for loving new homes. Laura Hawkins at the office wants to play “Let’s Make a Deal” to help you secure a treasure of COS history.
II.
Secondly, since we’re so PROUD and GRATEFUL of the 25 years of ministry Pastor Miriam has provided us, we want to honor and celebrate her well. Join us for the reception Saturday April 13 from 2-5 PM. Drop by quickly or stay the whole afternoon. Then on Sunday morning April 14, we bless Pastor Miriam in her final service, with our Bishop actually coming at the 11 AM service.
III.
Thirdly, since we begin construction on our Sanctuary Renewal Project April 15, we embrace a new interim worship schedule on Sunday April 21 in our Fellowship Hall. It’s gonna be fun. The praise band always comes in early Sundays to set up and practice. So, our first service—contemporary—will be 9.30 (just a bit earlier than our current 9.45 service), followed by our traditional service at 11 AM. Please don’t take the summer off. But bring your voice, heart, and joyful attitude and we’ll create some memories together for the 3 months or however long our project takes.
In this spirit of preparation, the Transition Team desires for you to give them a “piece of your mind . . . and heart.” Tomorrow/Thursday is the last day for you to share your convictions about how COS can continue to play a wonderful role in God’s plan in years ahead as we take steps to call our next associate pastor.
Bonus
On Easter morning, two Jesus followers were on a road trip to Emmaus when they met a stranger. After a stimulating conversation, they invited him to join them for supper. And in that meal they realized this mystery man was Jesus himself, risen from the dead!
As you read this Wednesday morning, LuAnne and I are checking up on our daughter Morgan in Colorado Springs. As we travel, I’m asking the Spirit to keep my eyes open for “God sightings” along the way. Like those first Easter disciples, I’m excited to see Jesus on the move in unexpected places. With so many of you on spring break, traveling to fresh countries and locations—or even maybe enjoying some time in your back yard or neighborhood venue—keep your eyes open for how Jesus’ Easter movement is afoot. And celebrate!
A million thanks to all of you who helped design, host and lead five magnificent days of Holy Week services at COS last week. The creativity, organization, meaning, and design were dazzling. Also, thanks for all of you propelling a whole variety of current and upcoming ministries exuding Jesus’ Easter energy: Hoops for Haiti, Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Lutheroad, Summer Sack Lunch Feeding Program, House Rehab Project in Griffin and so much more!
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray.
“Sovereign God, you have established your rule in the human heart through the servanthood of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, keep us in the joyful procession of those who with their tongues confess Jesus as Lord and with their lives praise him as Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirt, one God now and forever. Amen.” From Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 29
