Jesus began to weep. John 11:35
This Sunday our gospel lesson is about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to talk to a 9-year old boy about the Bible. He tested me to see if I knew the shortest verse in the Bible. It is this verse as written in the King James Version of the Bible, just two words, “Jesus wept.”
Jesus’ actions are a little confusing, because he intentionally waited before going to Bethany, saying his waiting would bring glory to God. In addition, we assume he knew he was going to ask for Lazarus to be raised from the dead, so why would he weep? Yet, in this simple action of weeping, we know Jesus shares our very human nature…that God incarnate knows our grief when a loved one dies.
When our loved ones are very ill, we cling to the hope that they will be cured. We cling to this story of God’s miracles. This hope is important, and yet, many times death still comes. Yet, we can cling to the assurance that God is present with us, weeping with us, and understands our deep grief and loss.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Next week, I will be in Lexington through Thursday and my Sabbath day will be Friday. You can get a message to me by calling 859 -429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Adult Forum: This Sunday and Wednesday at 4pm, we conclude our series on Living Compass Adult Faith and Wellness. “All Shall be Well” is the topic.
Next Sunday, Rebecca will share photos from the Holy Land, especially the route Jesus took to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Calvary and the tomb.
Godly Play: There will be Godly Play classes this Sunday. If you are interested in assisting with these classes on an occasional basis, please let Anne Day Davis or Dura Anne Price know. You will observe the classes for 4 sessions and once you have received this training, you may be called upon to assist as you are available. Let the children deepen your faith!
Please stay after church this Sunday for lunch and a Garden Shower for Sarah and Sam Pollom, who were married in March. All are welcome to join in the celebration.
Holy Week at St. John’s
Monday, April 14, 6pm – Evening Prayer
Tuesday, April 15, 6pm – Evening Prayer
Wednesday, April 16, 6pm – Stations of the Cross
Thursday, April 17, 7pm – Maundy Thursday Service and Washing of Feet
Vigil from 8:00pm – 6:00am
Friday, April 18, 7pm – Good Friday Service, Veneration of the Cross
Saturday, April 19, 8pm – Easter Vigil
Maundy Thursday/Good Friday Vigil: Sign up to pray in the church overnight from Maundy Thursday, April 17, 8pm until Good Friday morning, 6am. Please see Bruce Cory if you’d like to participate.
Support the Diocesan Ministries online on April 9, as part of Kentucky Gives Day. Reading Camp, Cathedral Domain and St. Agnes’ House are participating in the Commonwealth-wide online giving day, Kentucky Gives. Go to http://kygives.razoo.com/story/Episcopal-Diocese-Of-Lexington and give to one or to all three ministries. Let your friends and family know about this great giving day!
First Baptist London presents their annual Passion Play, April 13 (10am), 14, 15, 17 (7pm). Call 606-864-4194 for free tickets. Billy Hibbitts and Amber Pearce are singing in this production.
Plan to attend a community-wide Palm Sunday Service, Sunday afternoon, April 13, Grace on the Hill. The service is sponsored by the Southeast Kentucky Ministerial Alliance and Rebecca will preach.
Donations are being accepted for Easter Flowers. Envelopes are available. Mark whether this is in memoriam or in honor of someone.
Assist with preparing the church for Easter on Saturday, April 19, noon – 2:00pm.
Each day during Holy Week, the Southeast Kentucky Ministerial Alliance invites you to attend lunch and worship at neighboring churches. Canned Food will also be collected for area food pantries. Lunch is served 11:30-12:30, with a short service from 12:30-12:55. Offering collected is used for the Alliance to meet the needs of people in our region who need assistance. The following is the schedule of services:
Monday, April 14 – Sacred Heart
Tuesday, April 15 – Corbin Presbyterian
Wednesday, April 16 – Central Baptist
Thursday, April 17 – Grace on the Hill
Friday, April 18 – First Baptist
Belk Charity Sales Day, Saturday, May 3, 6:00-10:00am. Purchase $5 tickets from our ECW, which allow you entrance to the sale and $5 off your purchase. We are trying to sell 100 tickets, which provides $500 for the church and tremendous savings for you!
We’re buying goats! The Lazarus at the Gates Adult Forum study has prompted us to purchase goats through Episcopal Relief and Development for families in the Philippines. Goats provide milk, cheese, and manure for farming. Donations towards the $80 purchase of each goat can be made through the goat bank in the parish hall or in the offering plate clearly marked ERD goat project. To date, we’ve raised $121. Another $59 is needed to purchase a second goat!