Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers,

and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

Throughout this Lenten Season, we have journeyed towards Jerusalem with Jesus, pausing to listen to the parables that both comforted and challenged his followers. Like us, those first followers found Christ irresistibly compelling; they just kept following him, no matter how different or difficult things became. They kept asking questions, even though the answers were often confusing. They kept walking after him, getting dustier and dustier.

Disciples following a rabbi was a common scene in the ancient world. It was how they learned - following, listening, discerning, emulating. Discipleship was much like apprenticeship. Rabbis shared their lives with their followers - they broke bread together, found shelter together, and witnessed God’s movement in the world together. Committed students were described as “covered in the dust” of their rabbi, because they followed so closely to the teacher’s heels that the dust of the road would be picked up from their teacher’s sandals and cover them. 

As we have followed Jesus along this ancient Lenten path to Jerusalem, and will continue to walk with Christ to the foot of the cross, I think back to how our journey began, on Ash Wednesday with the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” What does it mean if we begin as dust, and get covered in dust along the way, and return to dust at the end? What does it mean that Christ’s ministry was so dusty: dirty, earthy, rooted in the soil of this world, and somehow entirely otherworldly? How dusty can we get as we follow the one who was, who is, and who is to come?

May the palms we wave this Sunday cover us with a little more of that divinely earthly dust that tells to all the Good News that the Kingdom of God has arrived. 

Gratefully,

- David

Sunday's Scripture:

Luke 19:28-48, NRSV

Sermon Title:

"Spellbound"

Wish to worship with us again or during the week? Click Here to view last week's worship service.

All are welcome to share the Peace of Christ in the Parlor with coffee and fellowship before worship beginning at 9:30am. Hope to see you there!

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church partners with other congregations throughout the PC(USA) by collecting a special offering for One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). These special gifts help to share God's love with our neighbors in need around the world, which you can read more about here. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, the different programs supported by OGHS fit together to serve individuals and communities by providing safety, sustenance, and hope. CHPC celebrates a special offering this Sunday, April 17, during worship. You may give online here or pick up a brochure in the narthex to see how you can help. Thank you for your support!

Our Spring Blood Drive is this Sunday afternoon in the Church parking lot from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please be aware that you are not able to participate in this drive if you have given blood between February 16 and April 13. Contact Mike Strickler for any questions.

Join us for our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service on April 17 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. This service will be filled with scripture, communion, and prayer as we walk with Christ from the Last Supper on Thursday to the Tomb of Good Friday. Please note that this service will not be live streamed.

And all are welcome to participate in these three movements on Easter morning as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! We will h a begin with a 30-minute Sunrise Service at 8:15 am centered around the communion table. This will be held outside by the Oak Tree. Our Easter egg hunt follows shortly thereafter at 9:00 am. Children can enjoy two rounds of egg hunting and candy, and adults can enjoy coffee and donuts!

Members of the congregation are encouraged to bring both sweet and savory items to share during this time of fellowship so we have a great balance for everyone to enjoy! Please sign up to bring your favorite Easter Snack in the Narthex or speak with a member the CFL committee if you have any questions.

Things move inside at 9:30 am for our regular time of fellowship in the parlor. Finally, our Easter Sunday worship service will be held in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am. Spread the word and invite your family and friends as we give thanks for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

The Campus Improvement Committee recently met to establish the suggested priorities for the updating of our church campus.  Based on your input and the direction of our Session, we believe the area of greatest need continues to be the worship wing of the church, including: the sanctuary, parlor, narthex, updated restrooms, and a dedicated entrance that reflects the hospitality of the congregation. Work on the inside the sanctuary would include: seating, the chancel area, lighting and the AV control area.  We also recognize the need for a flexible meeting space for 50 people and to have the church nursery and children’s area near the worship wing. Office space for 5 staff members should be maintained to support the work of our staff. Additional improvements throughout the facility are also noted to help any architect offer a complete vision for our campus, such as: ensuring the Kid’s Connection and Day School area state compliant, putting together a vision for the Jones Building and either fix the second floor end of hall bathroom or turn it into a storage area.  Our next step is to officially put together this information in a format to solicit prospective architects to partner with in this important project. Please keep the members of the Campus Improvement Committee and those who attend our church in your prayers as we work for the glory of God. Our next meeting is on Sunday, May 18. 

In Christ,

Al Doty (Co-Chair) and Nathan Begue (Co-Chair)

Dear CHPC,

As you may recall, many of our classroom items were accidentally mistaken as trash and disposed of after being bagged and washed during our recent flu closure. We are so appreciative to those who have donated replacement items, but are still in need of more. Any donations of new or like-new stuffed animals, dress up clothes, pillows, puppets, or dolls will be greatly appreciated. Our most urgent need is for dolls and dress up clothing of varying ethnicities and cultures. Please drop off any donations to the Day School Office and I can disperse to the classrooms in need.

Thankful for you,

Lisa Robinette

Take advantage of the chance to Restore & Renew with the all church retreat! Everyone is invited to be a part of this year's outing to Holston Camp the weekend of May 2-4, 2025. The time to sign up is now, so Contact Mary in the church office to reserve your spot!

Costs vary by length of stay, and type of accommodation:

• Guenther Lodge (Hotel style, with all linens included)

Double occupancy full bed with private bath- $150 per Adult

Twin bed double occupancy with shared bath $125 per Adult

• Cabin (no linens included)

Twin bunk beds (each room sleeps 4) with shared bath

Children 4 and under are free

Students K-12 are $50

Adults: $100

• Day Rates (covering meals)

Adults:$50

Students K-12 $25

Children 4 and under: free

Don't forget that the youth's regular Sunday night Bible study returns this Sunday evening! Church members, please note this as anopportunity to support this awesome group of young people! Meals are needed to ensure these beloved individuals are fed, both physically and spiritually. Click below to sign up or reach out directly to Tyler Paulsen.

Also, keep in mind our Montreat Youth Conference trip is approaching! This is an opportunity for rising 9th graders, high schoolers, and recent high school graduates to visit Montreat, NC for a week of spiritual growth and renewal. Youth from all over the country come and gather for this awesome time of worship, learning, and fellowship. This year, our trip will be from July 13-19, so please let Tyler know whether or not your student plans on going by May 7 and feel free to reach out to him with any questions.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in celebration of the life of Ginny Snow will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 12 at the church. A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm. Please hold Ginny's family, friends, and all her students in prayer as we prepare to celebrate her life. 

In celebration of Palm Sunday, we will have a Processional of Palms at the beginning of our service. Children, the choir, and the entire congregation are invited to participate! If you would like to join in, please meet in the Narthex during the Passing of the Peace and be sure to grab a palm!

Sunday School Classes continue after worship at 11:15 am. The Disciples Class meets in room 218 and the Remnant Class meets in room 221. Please reach out to David directly if you would like to participate in either class or desire to discuss joining a small group.

The Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study continues each week at 3:00 pm in the parlor. All are welcome to participate in this lively discussion of upcoming scripture passages from the Revised Common Lectionary. Please contact Lisa Pecorini if you would like to participate.

Mark your calendars for our Simple Suppers starting the first Wednesday evening after Easter, April 23. These will last for four weeks, until May 14. At 5:30 pm we will kick off with a meal, then at 6 pm, we will split off for a time of small groups and bible studies. All are welcome!

The CHPC Garage Sale is on May 30 & 31. Donations of good quality items may be dropped off at the church starting May 24. Please no clothes, shoes, or broken items. Money raised will support replacing kitchen equipment. Volunteers will be needed to staff both the sorting and sale. Contact Doris Fields for more information.

The Women's Ministry heads to Montreat later this year for the annual Women's Connection Conference from August 8-10. The cost is $247.00 and our friends at First Presbyterian Church Kingsport graciously allow us to stay free with them for the weekend. You must register online (do so as a commuter, we do not need rooms) and then please let Lisa Pecorini know that you have registered to go. Learn more about this great event here from Montreat's website and register here. It's going to be a wonderful weekend of fellowship and worship!  

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by the end of the day on Tuesdays.

Prayer Requests 

Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt,

Beverly Shelton, Boyd Holder, Bethany Thompson, Bonnie Cole,

Julius Maikis, Charles Gibson, Jonathan and Brenda Hutchins,

Family of Lisa Mahon, Family of Ginny Snow, Tina Whiteaker (Teresa Stricker's sister), Family of Donna Whitson, Family of Carolyn Sade (Bill Sade's sister), Family of Robert Bailey (Anne Webb's Father), Family of Dorothy Rowland, Robert Blessing (Patti Garrett's father)

Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson, Wayne & Millie Pruett