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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by following Jesus, thriving in community, and healing the world. |
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Friends,
Yesterday, on Palm Sunday, we journeyed through the Passion Story in scripture and song, pausing to notice what happens between the palm branches and the empty tomb. It is a story filled with both grief and hope, love and betrayal, death and life.
It can be a difficult story, especially as we recognize our own via dolorosa, our way of sorrow, within it. We have known betrayal, offered ourselves to others, faltered when things became hard, and received grace we did not feel worthy to receive.
This is why the Church matters. In community, we do not walk this road alone. Together, we make space for grief, tell the truth about suffering, and bear witness to love that endures.
As we move through Holy Week, may we resist rushing ahead and instead stay with the story, trusting that God is present in every part of it, and that together we will find our way to resurrection.
On the journey with you,
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Invitation – Flowering of the Easter Cross
You are invited to bring cut flowers, either from your home garden or purchased from the store, on Easter Sunday to place on our Easter Cross. This meaningful tradition creates a beautiful symbol of the new life and hope we celebrate on Easter.
The Easter Cross will be located in our courtyard near the red doors at the Church Street entrance.
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Holy Week & Easter Gatherings 2026
Join us as we journey through Holy Week and the miracle of Easter Sunday. Below are the details for our upcoming gatherings as we commemorate and celebrate this sacred season together. Our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will be shared ecumenically with our friends at Bethel Lutheran and Incarnation Anglican.
Maundy Thursday — April 2
12:00 p.m. | Heritage Chapel
Remembering Around the Table
We will share in a simple meal as we reflect on the upper room, Jesus’ agape love, and celebrate Communion. You’re invited to bring your favorite cup or mug.
6:00 p.m. | Bethel Lutheran (1050 Douglas Blvd.)
Dinner Church Worship
This service will include Communion, foot/hand washing, and a potluck dinner. If you’re able, please bring a salad, entrée, or dessert to share.
Good Friday — April 3
12:00 p.m. | Heritage Chapel
Taizé Service with the Seven Last Words
A contemplative time of scripture and song, reflecting on Jesus’ words from the cross.
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Service of Tenebrae
A moving service of darkness and light, featuring the extinguishing of candles and readings from the Stations of the Cross.
Easter Sunday — April 5
6:30 a.m. | Weber Park (320 Circuit Dr.)
“Rise & Shine” Sunrise Service
We will greet the dawn together to celebrate the new day—music, prayer, a brief reflection, and maybe donuts! We will send an update for the location shortly.
9:00 a.m. | Backman Hall
Easter Breakfast Fellowship & Egg Hunt
Join us before worship for fellowship and Robert’s famous biscuits and gravy. An Egg Hunt will begin around 9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
Festive Worship with Holy Communion
Come sing our “Alleluias” as we celebrate our Risen Lord. All are welcome!
Note to Parents: The Children's Church space will be available on Easter Sunday as needed but our staff and volunteers are invited to worship and spend time with family on this holy day. Children Church programming will resume April 12.
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Young People's Fellowship Builds Community on the Trail
A beautiful day for our Young People’s Fellowship on the trails at Sailors Bar in Fair Oaks. Grateful for time in the fresh air, shared laughter, and the simple joy of being together in community. Keep an eye out for our April gathering!
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Worship Service Time Change — Beginning Sunday, April 12
Beginning Sunday, April 12, our worship service will move from 10:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This slight adjustment will allow our service to conclude in time for Love Korean UMC to prepare the sanctuary for their 12:00 p.m. worship service. Please make note of this change on your calendars. Thank you for your flexibility and for supporting this shared ministry as we extend hospitality to our sister congregation.
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Interested in Becoming a Member? Curious About the Methodist Way?
After Easter, Pastor Angel will be offering a series of sessions exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the Methodist tradition. Whether you’re new to the First Church community or have been here for years, you’re warmly invited to take part. There is no pressure to join—this is simply an opportunity to learn, reflect, and ask questions.
This combined class is designed both for those considering membership and for current members who would like to revisit and deepen their understanding of our Methodist roots and way of life.
If you’re interested, please email Pastor Angel with your availability (preferred days and times) as well as your preference for Zoom or in-person participation. The final schedule and format will be determined based on responses.
| | | This Week @ First Church | Mon., 3/30 - Sun., 4/5 | | | |
MONDAY:
- Monday Meal - Meal Service begins at Noon, Backman Hall.
TUESDAY:
- Pastor's Book Club - 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
WEDNESDAY:
- Creative Christian Crafters - 10:00 a.m., Center Room.
THURSDAY: [MAUNDY THURSDAY]
- Spanish-Language Class - 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room.
- Remembering Around the Table - 12:00 p.m., Heritage Chapel.
- Dinner Church Worship - 6:00 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church.
FRIDAY: [GOOD FRIDAY]
- Taizé Service with the Seven Last Words - 12:00 p.m., Heritage Chapel.
- Service of Tenebrae - 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary.
SUNDAY: [EASTER SUNDAY]
- "Rise & Shine" Sunrise Service - 6:30 a.m., Weber Park.
- Breakfast Fellowship - 9:00 a.m., Backman Hall.
- Festive Worship with Choir and Communion - 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary.
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March/April 2026 Birthdays!
Susan Reining, Mar. 30
Chris Galvin, Apr 10
Claire Wilson, Apr 13
Jan Sechrist, Apr 19,
Gabe McGuire, Apr 20
Julius Barham, Apr 20
Melanie Kincheloe, Apr 22
Kikuko La Point, Apr 25
| | | | Parish Updates, Community Events, & Connectional News | | | |
From the District: Introducing the Great Northern District Superintendency Team
"We wanted to take a moment and let you know that we are looking forward to serving among you as the Superintendency Team for Great Northern and also how deeply appreciative we are of the affirmations and support that people have already been extending to us. We are grateful for Bishop Olewine’s confidence in us and for her willingness to think in new and creative ways about how we structure our shared life." Read full statement here.
Youth Confirmation: Info Session
Calling all middle and high school students! We are excited to offer a combined Confirmation Class in partnership with our sister churches in Auburn and Loomis. This shared experience will give youth the opportunity to explore their faith, ask questions, and discover their place in the life of the Church. The Confirmation journey will include a service project, a retreat, and meaningful opportunities to grow in faith together in community. An informational session is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. at First Church Roseville. Youth and families are encouraged to attend to learn more. If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact Pastor Angel.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Blessed prayer shawls are available for anyone who may need comfort or care. If you know someone who would like to receive one, please let us know. We are also looking for volunteers to knit or crochet shawls; yarn is provided. If interested, please see Ruth Ann Baker or Chris Handley.
"Earth Connect Retreat" comes to Loomis
Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Loomis FUMC (6414 Brace Road, Loomis). Registration is required and there is a $20 suggested donation for a vegetarian lunch. The event is organized by the CA-NV United Methodist Climate Justice Ministries Task Force. Contact Liza Klein with any questions: lizahklein@comcast.net
| | | Get Involved: Ongoing Small Groups | | | |
Creative Christian Crafters | 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month, 10 a.m., Craft Room
For more info, see Ruth Ann Baker.
Ladies' Tea Time Social | Last Wednesday of the Month, 10:30 a.m.
For more info and the address, contact Chris Handley.
Holy Grounds Lectionary Study | Not Meeting During Holy Week.
Bring your Bible, order a coffee, and join the conversation on this Sunday's scriptures.
Spanish-Language Class | Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room
Come learn Spanish with us! For more info, see Paul Woicicki.
Pastor's Book Club | Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
We are discussing the book When Did We See You? Chapter 7. Last Session This Week.
Men's Breakfast | Not Meeting in April due to Easter Weekend.
No agenda. Just breakfast. For more info, see Dave Sechrist.
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Our Pastor: Rev. Angel Rivero
Pastor Angel is available for pastoral care, general inquiries, and conversation by appointment Monday through Thursday. To schedule a time with him, you may speak with him directly, send an email to pastor.angel@firstumcroseville.org, or leave a message with the Church Office.
Please note that Fridays and Saturdays are his sabbath and personal days off.
Thank you for honoring this time of rest.
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First Church Roseville is a congregation of The United Methodist Church and is located in the Great Northern District of the California-Nevada Conference.
The Rev. Mike Harrell, Superintendent, Great Northern District
Bishop Sandra Olewine, Resident Bishop, California-Nevada Conference
"Following Jesus. Thriving in Community. Healing the World."
"To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
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