A note from Pastor Travis 2/29/24
One of the differences between where I grew up and here is when spring arrives. Here, though the 2024 calendar tells us that spring will begin on March 19, there is a good chance that it will not feel or look like spring. It will likely be cold and there is always the chance of a snowstorm. We may have a few flowers peeking through the ground, but for the most part the ground will be barren.
On the other hand, where I grew up, the grass will be green and the flowers will have already started blooming. There will still be days when the March wind makes it feel cold out; however, there are more days that you do not need a jacket than days that you do.
The result of all of this is that, though my head is telling me that spring doesn’t REALLY arrive in New England until late April or early May, my heart is telling me that by late February spring should be arriving. Thus, I always get spring fever about now.
Perhaps, the warmer weather over the last few days is giving you spring fever too. For this reason, we placed the message “Spring is coming. Hang on!” on the sign in front of the church.
“Spring is coming. Hang on!” is a good message for Lent too. During this season of self-reflection and penitence, as we follow our Lenten discipline, it is helpful to remember that “Easter is coming. Hang on!”
With the arrival of Easter, we will gather as a faith community to celebrate the gift of God’s life-giving grace. What a glorious celebration that will be! Mark your calendars now to join us as we take those final steps of Holy Week and greet Easter morning.
Invite a friend or five to join us for our Easter party!
Holy Week Schedule
Sunday, March 24 – The Ecumenical Palm Sunday Service: 8:30am — Breakfast at First Baptist Church
9:00am — Depart down Main Street to Ell Pond Gazebo
9:15am — Blessing of the Palms Service at the gazebo
9:30am –Depart from the gazebo to FUMC!
10:00am — FUMC Palm Sunday Service
March 28, 7pm Maundy Thursday Service
March 29, 7pm Good Friday Service
March 31 — Easter, Sunday
6:30am — Sunrise Service at Mt. Hood
9:30am — Children’s Egg Hunt at church
10:00am — Easter Service
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Travis