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Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
We are halfway through Lent this weekend! Easter is nearly upon us as our journey continues through our Parables series. This Sunday will mark a shift from the near proverbial parables we have previously encountered, with more narrative, more characters, and surprising conclusions. While less familiar than the prodigal son, the ten bridesmaids, or the Good Samaritan, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in Mark 12:1-12 as our reference (although Matthew 21:33-46 and Luke 20:9-19 also have their versions), Jesus confronts corruption on the temple mount, and as a prophet, speaks to the present temple leadership (though not the temple itself, as some have claimed).
We confront our assumptions about parable characters and their purpose and meaning.
Who are these wicked tenants? Who is the absent landowner? Who are the servants, or for that matter, the son? Is the point of the parable about salvation history or something else?
LAST WEEK OF COLLECTION OF CLOROX BLEACH WIPES: Our outreach project for Dove, Inc. will be gathered and delivered to them next week. Please bring your donations this Sunday.
PRAIRIE AVENUE NEXT UPDATE: As reported last week, any effort or renovation of our education wing building to open a crisis nursery is put on hold for the perceivable future. Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth is already starting to work with us through developing an assessment of current community needs, congregational capacity, and calling (work similar to the New Beginnings program through Disciples Church Extension). I will meet with Brock McCracken, Building and Capital Services Advisor for Disciples Church Extension Fund, on Monday, March 31, to give him a brief overview of our congregational history and our building assets.
REGIONAL MINISTER SEARCH UPDATE:The Regional Minister Search Committee has continued its dedicated work through this first quarter. The committee has reviewed a strong pool of candidates and is moving into the next phase of the process. Zoom interviews with selected candidates are being scheduled throughout April. The Committee anticipates that in-person interviews with finalists will be happening in May. Please continue to offer your prayers for energy, clarity, guidance, and discernment as the Search Committee works to find our next Regional Minister.
DISCIPLES WOMEN SPRING GATHERING: APRIL 26, 2025 from 9 AM - 3: 30 PM "Tending Our Inner Gardens: Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth" Mosaic Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2507 West Newman Parkway, Peoria COST $50.00 INCLUDING LUNCH DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION APRIL 9, 2025
EASTER OFFERING APRIL 13 & 20: We will be receiving the special day offering providing vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Palm Sunday and First Sunday of Easter (Easter is a 50 day season, not the singular secular observance). Your generosity helps equip college students for leadership, strengthens global mission partnerships, sustains health and social service ministries, supports the formation of new congregations, cares for pastors and chaplains, and so much more!
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Congregations: Glen Oak Christian Church, Peoria, IL; Mosaic Christian Church, Peoria, IL; First Christian Church Petersburg, IL; First Christian Church Rushville, IL Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods Global Ministries: Bangladesh
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