Dear Friends,

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming holidays that mark the core of our faith: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. These constitute a holy week that changed the world!  

Each holds profound significance, inviting us to reflect deeply on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, our journey through these holy days is further enriched by the insights and lessons we've been exploring in our sermon series, "The Walk," and a common desire to revive the spiritual disciplines in our lives.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This day reminds us of the welcoming of Jesus into our lives and hearts, inviting us to lay down our burdens before Him, much like the crowds spread their cloaks and branches on the road before Christ. As we celebrate this entry, we prepare our hearts for the path of suffering Christ walked for us, drawing closer to Him in humility and love.

Maundy Thursday: The New Commandment

Maundy Thursday reveals the profound love Jesus demonstrated in the Upper Room through the washing of the disciples' feet and the institution of the Lord's Supper. This new commandment, to love one another as He has loved us, challenges us to embody the self-giving love of Christ in our daily lives. As we partake in Communion on this holy night, let it be a testament to our commitment to live out the truths we've learned in "The Walk," serving and loving those around us in Christ-like humility.

Good Friday: The Sacrificial Love

Good Friday is a somber day that calls us to meditate on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It's a powerful reminder of the depths of God's love for us, a love so profound that He bore our sins and sufferings. Let this day deepen your resolve to live in the light of the cross, drawing nearer to the heart of Christ through our actions and sacrifices.

Easter Sunday: The Victory of Resurrection

Easter is the culmination of Holy Week, a glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, defeating the powers of sin and death and offering us new life. This day calls us to rejoice in the hope and renewal of Christ's victory over the grave. Let His resurrection empower us to live transformed lives, bearing witness to His love and grace in the world around us.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Steve

Join Pastor Steve and learn the ins and outs of the Bible. We’ll address questions like, “How did we get the Bible? How do we interpret the Bible? What are the major parts of the Bible and how do they function?” Bring your bibles and a pad for notes!

Special Dates:

Palm Sunday (3/24): Sunday at 10:30A

Easter Eggstravaganza (3/24): 2 to 4PM

Maundy Thursday (3/28): 6PM

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross - Noon to 3PM

Easter Concert and Reception: Saturday (3/30): 3 PM

Easter Worship Service (3/31): 10:30AM

Each month we will celebrate an outstanding volunteer. For March Virginia Drake was selected for her dedication to serving others!

Q: What drives you to serve and what is your biggest take-a-way from serving?

I get that warm fuzzy feeling serving people, those who we serve are so grateful. I honestly get out of more of serving than I think those who we serve do.

Q: Any funny jokes perhaps a short one?

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Q: Your current favorite hobby?

Reading

Q: Who would you be if you had to be a character from a book?

Meg from Little Women

Q: What brings you joy?

Animals, although I currently don't have any pets.

Q: Favorite childhood memory?

I was in 2nd grade and I had just learned to tell time and asked for a watch for Christmas. My Dad didn't think I really wanted a watch but my Mom knew I did. After all the presents were open (no watch) Mom told me there was a present behind the tree. I knew it was for me. I ripped through the packaging until I got to the bottom of the box and there it was, a watch!

Q: How did your journey start?

I started with my walk with Christ in 1st grade, I loved Church and especially going to Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center that was my favorite!

THIS FRIDAY

MARCH 1ST

SPAGHETTI SUPPER 4:30 CORTON HALL

The Florida United Methodist Children's Home was established in 1908 to provide a home for orphans and other children that had nowhere else to live.

Today it serves as a diverse ministry with two campuses that include residential, therapeutic group, foster and emergency shelter care. The Home also provides independent living assistance and a community child care center.

CLICK BELOW FOR DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALL OF THE SHIFTS AND TASKS

Emmanuel Youth (eYouth) Nights will relaunch for the Spring and Summer Term starting the second Sunday of April (5 – 7PM). These once-a-month youth gatherings will be themed and engage kids of all ages from 4th through 12th grade. Please mark your calendars, invite your friends and have your kids invite their friends for these nights that are sure to be fun and formative. Each theme will incorporate biblical truths that will set your youth up for a long-lasting relationship with Jesus and provide guardrails for a good 

and godly life.

Click on the link below to read Bishop Berlin Announcement.

Emmanuel will be part of the East Central District. These changes will be effective on July 1, 2024. Dionne Hammond will then become a fulltime co-pastor for both First Church and St. Mark’s along with Craig Hammond.