Monday, April 3, 2023

Lenten Devotional 2023

Daily Readings and Imaginative Contemplation

An Introduction

Ignatian Contemplation

Prepare for contemplation by being still for a time. Be aware of God’s presence within you and around you. Notice how God may be looking at you, and let your eyes see yourself as God see’s you. Be aware the Spirit is leading you in prayer, even when you are without resources and may feel distracted.

Read and reread the gospel passage, allowing the details to settle into your memory. Using the senses of your imagination, see and hear the scene in which the event takes place. Notice the people in the setting, their posture, their expression, their words. Use creativity to explore the passage.

Use your other senses of smell, taste, and touch. What is the feel of the interactions in the story? How do they touch you? Identify with one person

in the story. Enter into the conversation. What touches you and moves you?

How do you see Jesus in this story?

If you would like, take time to be silent and enjoy the presence of God. Move on when you are ready. Gather the main strands of your reflection and give attention to what moves you. Note what feels important, and Close in prayer. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, or another favorite prayer.

CLICK HERE for April 3rd Devo.

• Covenant School and the people of Nashville - Prayers for healing as they grieve the loss of lives from the school shooting on March 27.
• Covenant School and the people of Nashville - Prayers for healing as they grieve the loss of lives from the school shooting on March 27.
• Heather (Abbe Golden's niece) - Heather lost her job recently.
• Emily (friend of Eva Arner) - undergoing testing for Epilepsy.
• Marta O'Neill (Daughter of Joan O'Neill) - Diagnosed with cancer. Surgery scheduled for April 6th.

MORE PRAYERS...

Spiritual Practices in Lent

Spiritual practices are a way to deepen our faith in everyday life. This Lent we will explore Ignatian spiritual practices: The Daily Examen, Ignatian Contemplation, and The Welcoming Prayer. These practices will shape our worshiping life and provide you tools for prayer and decision making. CLICK HERE for the full devotional booklet.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Zoom)

We will be studying Isaiah 33 on April 5th @ 7:00 am. Please click HERE to join the Zoom group Wednesdays at 7:00 am. Contact Gene Bruce for more info.

Maundy Thursday Soup Supper (Fellowship Hall)

April 6, 6:00 - 6:30 pm

Please join us as we gather for a simple meal of soup & bread together.

Maundy Thursday Lenten Service (Fellowship Hall & Sanctuary) April 6, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Please join us for prayer and worship as we prepare our hearts before Resurrection Sunday.

Good Friday Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Friday, April 7, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Please join us for worship, prayer, in remembrance of how Christ suffered and died for our salvation.

Resurrection Sunday, April 9th  

7:00 am, Sunrise Worship Service (Lawn)

8:30 am, Continental Easter Brunch (Fellowship Hall)

9:00 am, Easter Egg Hunt (Lawn)

10:00 am, Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Bible Journeys Kids (Upstairs Classrooms)

Sunday, April 16, 23, & 30, 10:00 am - 11:00 am 

Classes will begin upstairs with games and fun Bible lessons for our kids in preschool through fifth grade!

Youth Group

April 9th - Free for Easter

April 16th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Bowling (Strikes & Spares @ N. Grape Road) Youth and friends are invited for a time of fun and fellowship! Please arrive at Strikes & Spares at 2:00 pm and plan to be picked up at 4:00 pm.

Long Story Short(er) (Witherspoon Room)

Sunday, April 16th @11:00 am

Join us in class for a guided tour the New Testament. 

Women's Bible Study: (Library & Zoom)

Tuesday, April 18th @ 9:15 am.

Reading The God of The Garden by Andrew Peterson.

Books are available in the library for $10.

Prayer Walk (Howard Park)

Saturday, April 22nd at 1pm. Learn to notice God’s presence in your life and pay attention to God’s invitation in your life. Join Pastor Susan for a prayer walk this winter in an active way to pray and engage the heart, mind, body, and spirit over a 2-mile walk.

Click to give online.

To see our 2022 annual report, CLICK HERE.

Food Pantry

Your support is deeply appreciated.

We are in need of Cereal, Peanut Butter, and Jelly. 

Thank you! :)

Seniors' Exercise Group (Fellowship Hall)

Tuesday mornings @ 10:30 am. Come join us for some fun and fitness! Reach out to Lou Ellen Parent at [email protected] or call 574-289-5974 for details.

Ladies Indoor Picnic Fellowship (Witherspoon Room)

Wednesday, April 5th @ 11:30 am.

Sunnyside ladies, bring a lunch and a drink and join us in the Witherspoon Room every-other Wednesday.

Bible Journeys Mom’s Group (Hatti’s House)

Saturday, April 15th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

BJK Moms are invited to gather for dinner, share faith, and talk parenting. Nursery care is provided. Contact Hatti Miller for questions. Please RSVP to Hatti Miller.

Sunnyside Book Group (Zoom)

April 16th @ 3:00 pm

Reading/Discussing Coach Wooden and Me

by Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Email Richard Fair for info & the link to join!

UPDATES

Sunnysiders on the News - Dismas Re-Entry Simulation (St. Joseph City Library) on March 31st.

CLICK HERE to view the story starting at about 10 minutes into the scroll bar. Mila Pierce is in a purple sweater. Pastor Susan, Mary Lou Deardorff, and Marsha Caulkins were also there.

Please pardon our dust!

As part of the Sunnyside Beautification Project in memory of Nancy Johnson, we are redoing the sidewalks along Frances Street. That means we might need to access the building in different ways this week than we usually do! 

Earlier in the week, the street entrance directly in front of the Gathering Space will be accessible. Later in the week, please plan to use the street entrance directly in front of the sanctuary. In all cases, please watch for orange cones, and feel free to call the Sunnyside office with any questions.