Pastor Rike’s Message – April 2019
There are many important things happening at Good Shepherd during the month of April. Here is a sampling:
April 7 – First Communion
At the 10:30 a.m. service we will welcome 10 young members of our congregation to participate in the Lord’s Supper for the first time. Special Music will help us observe this event and a reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall after the late service.
April 14 – Palm / Passion Sunday
Services begin at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., gathering in the narthex for the procession with palms. Once inside the nave (worship space) the service continues with the Passion according to Luke and Holy Communion.
April 18 – Maundy Thursday Service
At 7:30 p.m. we gather in the nave. The absolution (word of forgiveness spoken by the pastor in the Name and stead of Christ himself) is spoken publicly for the first time since Transfiguration Sunday, preparing us to enter into the “Three Days” reconciled with God and one another. The service focuses on the gift of forgiveness in Christ and his institution of the Lord’s Supper.
April 19 – Good Friday Service
We gather in silence for this 7:30 p.m. service – a continuation of the liturgy of the Three Days begun on Thursday evening. We remember our Lord’s death by hearing the Passion according to John and adoring the Crucified through action and hymns. We depart in silence.
April 20 – Easter Egg Hunt at Noon
April 21 – Easter Day
The “Three Days” that began at sunset on Thursday conclude at sunset on Easter Day. Two identical, festive services of Holy Communion at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. set the tone and begin 50 days of rejoicing in our Lord’s Resurrection. This service will include beloved Easter Hymns, the canticle – “This Is the Feast,” Mozart Church Sonata No. 4 in D (K 144), and a festive rendering of Psalm 118.
April 28 – “Low Sunday” or the Second Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
I pray that God grant each of us a holy Lent, bringing us to a joyful Easter.
Pastor Rike
Learn more about Pastor Rike.