Community

The Stations of the Cross, or Way of the Cross, is a traditional Christian devotional practice involving a series of stations, usually fourteen, that represent the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his condemnation to his body being laid in the tomb. Each station is typically depicted by a work of art, which are often permanently installed in some Roman Catholic churches. During Lent, usually on Good Friday, congregations will walk the Stations of the Cross together with an accompanying litany of prayers and responses.

Given our Presbyterian heritage of rejecting icons, we historically have not had these stations installed in our sanctuaries or walked the Stations during Lent. This year, youth group advisers Sharon and Anthony wanted to involve the youth in the devotional life of this worshiping community at this holy time. Artistic renderings of a the station were designed by youth group members.

This Good Friday, the youth will help lead the litany of prayers as we walk the Stations of the Cross. We will meet at 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary to walk the path with Jesus from trial to tomb. We hope you will join the youth and many other members of the congregation in this
powerful Lenten devotional practice, uniting ourselves in prayer and action with Christians around the globe.

The Tenebrae service will follow at 7:30 p.m.

April 1: Liturgy of the Palms Mark 11:1–11 or John 12:12–16; Ps. 118:1–2, 19–29;
April 8: Acts 10:34–43 or Isa. 25:6–9; Ps. 118:1–2, 14–24; 1 Cor. 15:1–11 or Acts 10:34–43; John 20:1–18 or Mark 16:1–8
April 15: Acts 4:32–35; Ps. 133; 1 John 1:1–2:2; John 20:19–31
April 22: Acts 3:12–19; Ps. 4; 1 John 3:1–7; Luke 24:36b–48
April 29: Acts 4:5–12; Ps. 23; 1 John 3:16–24; John 10:11–18

Have you ever heard a sermon on 1 Kings, chapters 6-7? I doubt it, because these chapters explain the size and structure of Solomon’s temple and palace, together with their furnishings and decorations: 88 verses full of numbers, names of building materials, and complex descriptions of architectural features. So it is not easy to produce a lesson from the verses.  Are the 88 verses then totally worthless for us? With some help from archaeologists, I believe we can learn a valuable lesson from the Biblical text.

Come to the Sunday school class and enjoy a cool slide show and a lively discussion. We will focus on four decorative motifs of ancient Israelites: angels, trees, bulls, and lions.

Their religious or artistic significance for ancient Israelites will be discussed and we will try to figure out a lesson for our modern religious architecture. – YDS Intern Sungduk Yun

The Confirmation Class will finish their course of study this month. During this winter, we have had the opportunity to listen to members of the Confirmation Class offer reflections on the scripture texts each Sunday morning.

Those of you who have been in worship know that each one of the youngsters have offered us new insights into the sacred text. On March 4th Kirsten Duncan will offer her reflection on Mark
8:31-38, one of the scripture texts for the morning.

On March 11th, Leah Miller and Daniel McCloskey will each offer a reflection. Leah has chosen Exodus 20:1-17, The Ten Commandments, and Daniel will offer his reflection on John 2:13-22, Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple.

The Confirmation Class will be received on Sunday, April 15th.

Please keep all the members of the class and their families in your prayers.

Sunday, February 5 – Calling all youth group members! Fun is the theme for February. On Sunday, February 5th, the youth group will go ice-skating immediately after church.

Sunday, February 26th – bring your favorite board games for a time of friendly competition – the fun will begin at 5 p.m. in the Miller Gathering Hall.

Thanks to the Youth Group members who came out on Sunday evening, January 22nd, to help prepare the final meal for Abraham’s Tent. Hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and salad were on the menu … the perfect meal for a hungry group to cheer on their favorite football teams!