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Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
It seems like our weather is trying to do all four seasons in a single day! Spring has arrived, but I feel winter is not quite ready to leave, as the temperature forecasts sound like lottery numbers: 73, 47, 63, 55, 58, etc. April is around the corner, as is Easter (April 20). The seasons are changing, and as Lent moves towards its inevitable end, we encounter endings and beginnings.
You may have already noticed a change in our communications. After many years of producing a weekly e-newsletter (and at times, a personal e-note, too), I have decided to simplify our communication, since several sections routinely have no news or events to report. We no longer offer regular classes, or service days, or lead a substantial capital campaign. Upcoming events, and highlights from general and regional ministries, will continue to be included, with the weekly prayer list.
As highlighted last week in both bulletin and e-newsletter, the Crisis Nursery project is suspended for the near future. This past week, I met with Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth, our regional associate minister, about our future and developing a strategic plan for Prairie Avenue's facilities, ministries, assets, and liabilities. The meeting was very productive, and I am excited about the possibilities. Decisions need to be made, and nothing will be done without discussion and consent. While we are not going forward with the New Beginnings program provided by the Church Board of Extension per se, the steps will be very similar.
This Sunday, we explore a lesser-known parable of Jesus, the parable of the leaven. Unlike the past couple of weeks, this parable only appears in Matthew and Luke. Again, it has the heavenly story intersecting with earthly meanings. I hope you will join us as we enter God's kitchen, add a little leaven, and watch for the unexpected!
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!
WEEK OF COMPASSION UPDATE: Our total has increased yet again! An additional gift of $25 has moved us to $325.12.
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Congregations: Illinois Street Christian Church, Lewiston, IL; Ipave Christian Church, Illinois; Mackinaw Christian Church, IL: United Church of Wayland, MI Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lewhew, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle: Sympathy: Family of Thom Welsh (February 22). Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods: Global Ministries: Jamaica
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