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Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
April showers have arrived, and a little bit of wind (how midwestern can I really sound this week?)
I know better than to anticipate the end of winter's hold before Mother's day (I recall even a freak June flurry in my childhood), but some early blooms and the resurgence of crabgrass and lilacs tell me Easter approaches. The reminder to get our Palm Sunday fronds ordered also helped.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK: We study another parable, sometimes titled "The Parable of the Wedding Feast" or "The Parable of the Great Banquet." Our worship scripture is the Matthew version of it (the Luke version is here). It is another one of Jesus' stories that does not appear in Mark. There is a significant difference between the two, as Luke excludes the embarrassment of an inappropriately attired guest and much of the violence expressed in Matthew. Last week, with the parable of the wicked tenants, we were cautioned not to apply the standard interpretations of tying each character to God, Jesus, and believers/unbelievers. The vengeful vineyard owner behaves more earthly than we would hope God to behave, killing tenants and getting new ones. Again, it is easy to ascribe the king as God, the son as Jesus, and try to figure out the ill-dressed secondary guest. But as we have learned, the interpretation that comforts us is usually wrong. Holy Week approaches, and the kingdom of God is not the kingdom of Caesar, of any time or place.
CLOROX BLEACH WIPES COLLECTION UPDATE: Our outreach collection for Dove, Inc. of Clorox bleach wipes was delivered this week. It was deeply appreciated. The list of current needs at Dove's programs will be shared and a new item will be chosen for collection.
PRAIRIE AVENUE NEXT UPDATE: I had a pleasant phone conversation with Brock McCracken at Church Extension Fund regarding our story as a congregation and our next steps. In several ways, we are further along than most congregations in contemplating and discerning our future ministry vision and needs. An initial assessment form will be completed and turned in shortly. Brock is looking forward to personally visiting Prairie Avenue after Easter. Stay tuned for more updates!
LIVING WATERS REGION NAME WINS: The unanimous choice of our congregation has become the official name of our emerging region! While it will not be official until the joint regional meeting with formal approval, the Living Waters Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will begin life on January 1, 2026 as the successor organization to the Illinois-Wisconsin and Michigan regions.
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: First Christian Church Rock Falls, IL; Central Christian Church Bourbonnais/The Grow Center, IL; First Christian Church, Peoria, IL; Riverview Park Christian Church, St. Joseph, MI 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: Argentina
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