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Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
Happy Palm Sunday Eve! Not many times do we mark the days with an "eve" (other than All Hallows and Christmas), but here we are on the cusp of Holy Week 2025. Since the earliest moments of the Christian movement, the events of Jesus' last week have been observed and retold. While he taught his disciples, he also warned and anticipated this week, an ultimate challenge between the present age and the age to come.
Our worship service is a little different than the usual Palm Sunday fare. In our final week of examining the Parables of Jesus with a different perspective, we examine Matthew 20:1-16, known as the parable of the vineyard workers. It is a unique parable, only appearing in Matthew's gospel. The familiar interpretation of God's grace extended to all, both those who began the day to labor and those whose labor only for an hour receive the same compensation is not the only, or probably proper one. Its placement near Jesus's encounter with a young man seeking a deed to receive eternal life, followed by Peter's response about leaving everything to follow him, helps us discover the contrast given between one who will provide everyone a vineyard and the landowner who will pay everyone who works "his" vineyard the "usual wage." This is kingdom vs. kingdom, and it ends and begins here.
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP THIS HOLY WEEK: We are not having additional special holy week services ourselves. I would encourage you to attend the union service with Niantic & Illiopolis held at Central Christian Church on Thursday, April 17, at 7 pm. Good Friday worship will be held on Friday, April 18, at 7 pm at Niantic Christian Church. The ministers of Central and Naiantic/Illiopolis will be sharing reflections on what Jesus' death might have meant to some of those closest to him.
EASTER OFFERING APRIL 13 & 20: We will be receiving the special day offering the next two Sundays, providing vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Easter Offering supports these general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Center for Faith and Giving, Obra Hispana, Communication Ministries, Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry, Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Disciples Home Missions, Disciples Women, Disciples Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries), Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, National Benevolent Association, National Convocation, New Church Ministry, North American Pacific/Asian Disciples, Office of the General Minister and President, and Treasury Services.
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! You may give your contribution here.
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our collection is diapers (all sizes) and/or personal hygiene items.
REGISTRATION EXTENDED FOR SPRING GATHERING: Disciples Women of CCIW and CCMR invite you to the Spring Gathering on April 26 at Mosaic Christian Church in Peoria, IL. With the theme “Tending Our Inner Gardens: Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth,” this retreat offers a time of renewal through spiritual practices, meaningful connection, and worship. Rev. Amy Johnson will lead as keynote speaker, guiding participants in cultivating faith through experiential reflection and shared wisdom. The day includes spiritual disciplines, Communion, and support of the Blessing Box ministry. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or joining for the first time, all are welcome. Registration is extended to April 18!
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Disciples Women's Ministry. 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: Fiji
AROUND CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN & MICHIGAN REGIONS:
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST NEW UPDATES:
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Disciples Church Extension Fund offers green loans to help congregations dealing with building needs like leaking roofs, windows, etc. Contact Advisor Brock McCracken for assistance
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Week of Compassion needs volunteers throughout the late spring and into summer.
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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is among the 27 faith communities joining a lawsuit opposing the rescission of the Sensitive Locations policy. Sign the petition here.
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Resources for congregations and ministries dealing with recent policy changes are available from our General Ministries.
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Disciples Interims will offer Interim Ministry Basics on Mondays from April 28 – June 16, 2025.
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The National Benevolent Association presents Building Community Through Storytelling: Sharing Bible Stories and Our Own Stories, a free webinar presented through Older Adult Ministries, on April 30 at 11 a.m.
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Beyond: General Assembly will be held July 12-15, 2025, in Memphis, TN. Registrations are now open.
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General Assembly resources for congregations, including a Bible Study and Preaching Resource, are now available.
BEYOND...
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