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Greetings in the name of the Risen Christ! We are now just beginning to recover from Triduum’s “joyous fatigue,” that blessedness of having spent our energy in the intensity of meaning offered us in a week of incredible liturgy. There is nothing democratic about the way the church year unfolds. We do not mark time by spreading our festivals across twelve months. Instead, they come to us in their own shape and design, according to the mystery of God’s love poured out in the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year we experienced a collision of events and festivities all taking place as earth moved across its vernal equinox. College basketball brought us March Madness; we arrived at the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War; and the Persian new year arrived as winter turned to spring. Every year I am reminded that the life of the baptized beats to impulses that run against the grain of conventional time-keeping. So we - once again - celebrated our passing from slavery to freedom, and death to new life. And we did so with wonder and awe. I would like to express my appreciation to all who worked so hard preparing the liturgies for our congregation. What impresses me about WPPC is that this is not a congregation that expects liturgy to be prepared FOR it, but WITH it. It is truly the work of the people of this church. Thanks be to God! Of course, Easter is not a day but a season, fifty days long. So we have only begun to feast on the mystery of Christ’s dying and rising. It is important for each of us, and us together, to do so because we often come to realizations which allude us at the time but become apparent after the fact. A case in point: in Luke 24 it is only after the disciples have shared a meal with their traveling stranger that they realized how warm their hearts had become much earlier when they were walking the road. Give yourself a gift. Take time to reflect (even journal) a memory or two, a thought or insight into God’s love that took hold of you during our recent services. If you do so, I believe you might find your heart strangely warmed. On the last page of our worship aid for the Easter Vigil was this quotation from St. John Chrysostom’s Easter homily (347_407). I leave it with you as an appetizer of the riches that still await us this Easter season. Rejoice, this day, for the table is bountifully spread!Grace and peace, David
During the 50 days of Easter we rejoice in the presence of the Risen Christ. The meal of the Word proclaimed and the bread broken together calls us to a deeper faith and more faithful service. Here is a preview of the Gospel readings in April and May to help sharpen your mind and senses in anticipation of our worship this season.
April 6 - 3rd Sunday of Easter – Luke 24:13-35
April 13th - 4th Sunday of Easter – John 10:1-10
April 20th - 5th Sunday of Easter – John 14:1-14
May 4th - 7th Sunday of Easter – John 17:1-11
May 11th - Feast of Pentecost – Acts 2:1-21 and John 7:37-39
May 18th - Trinity Sunday – Matthew 28:16-20
To correctly show Capital Campaign payments on the quarterly giving statements, in 2008:
I am working with Jeannie Chouinard. She is setting this up in CW - testing the calculation and information on the statements. It appears this will give a complete picture to those that have pledged and/or donated to the Capital Campaign. Closely review your status on your Q1 giving statement, which will be available mid April.
Exciting things are sprouting in our Church School program. Beginning Sunday, April 6, we will have a time of “Children’s Choir” each week at 10:15. Thanks to Donna Somers and Amanda Robinson for volunteering to help with this opportunity for our kiddos. Also on April 6, parents of preschoolers are invited to gather at 9:30 along with their child(ren) regarding a class for little ones. Our thoughts are that we could have the class during April, May and June, then make plans for the next school year. Every third Sunday of the month, our Middle School class shares a play! Come to the Library @10 am and see these great kids in action as they claim God’s word for life in the present world! Agape and Latte continues to gather at Starbucks between 9:15 and 9:30 every Sunday morning. So if you’re 20 something (even 20 times something!), please join us! Our Adult Bible Study continues its commitment to focus on Scripture and The Journey moves ahead with timely discussions. The informal Fellowship Groups in the Parlor and the Fellowship Hall continue to provide support and friendship to all.
Though much time has passed since Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, there is still much work to be done in helping our brothers and sisters affected. Anyone interested in an Adult Mission Trip over Labor Day weekend to work on this type of project is invited to meet with Betty Weckerly at 5 p.m. April 13. We will consider the feasibility of such at trip and discuss all of the personal investment (time, energy, and other resources) needed to proceed. If you are interested, but this date and time do not fit into your schedule, please let Betty know.
On Sunday, April 27, the Christian Nurture and Education Committee is sponsoring a special time during the 11 am worship service. We will be continuing the WPPC tradition of presenting our elementary students grades 2-4 with Bibles. In the fall, we will present Bibles to those students who are completing first grade this year and will be in second grade at that time thus reclaiming the rhythm of sharing God’s word in this manner. If your child is in grades 2 or above and has not received a Bible from the church during second grade, please tell either the Moderator, Beth George, your child’s Christian Formation Class teacher, or Betty Weckerly.
All the men of West Plano are invited to a breakfast on the second Saturday of each month September through May. It is a time of good food, fellowship, and fun. Donations to offset the cost of the food are appreciated. Breakfast is served about 8:30 a.m. Come early so you can help set up and entertain the cooks. We promise not to tell wives or doctors what or how much we eat!
Mark your calendars:
Yep, can you believe it, it is time to consider participating in any of the many camp opportunities that are available during the summer. There are a variety of weeks and locations ranging from a three day mini camp to a two week Music and drama camp. These resident camping opportunities are for children and youth ranging in age of 6-16. Age is based on camper’s age as of Sept. 1, 2008. You can either get brochure from Betty or you may check the Grace Presbytery website (gracepresbytery.org) for more information and forms. So join in the fun and head out for Gilmont or Prairie Valley for some great summer adventures. In addition to these great weeks for kids, there is a terrific family opportunity at Mo Ranch called ART@Mo 2008. This week offers creative mini courses, for all age groups including everything from childcare for little ones , art classes for adults and kids and an Outdoor Adventure Class for 5th-12th graders. If interested, see Betty for a flyer. There are also two weekends for Photography Workshops at Mo Ranch. The weekends are April 4-6 and October 17-18. These focus on digital photography and working with images with Photoshop applications. See Betty if you are interested. The cost of these weekends is $360 including lodging or $272 for commuters (includes lunch, supper, and tuition).
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