4/7: Tuesday of Holy Week Devotional & Announcements

Friends of WPUMC:
This is Holy Week – the days between Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter. Each day, we will send a scripture, image, devotional reading, prayer and Taize song to help you observe Jesus’ journey this week. At the bottom of the email will be a few pertinent announcements. Grace and peace to you as we walk this valley together.

Scripture: Mark 10: 13-16
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Pastor's Message

I can only imagine how some parents may be eyeing this scripture after a few weeks of isolating with their children! I have heard story after story of friends and family members with children at home, and about the chaos that ensues with little feet and big trouble running around. After hearing the highs of all that quality time, and the lows of all that constant contact, I have offered up many prayers of patience and rest for those parents. As we learn to navigate this new world, sometimes together and sometimes as individuals, it could be good for us to remember that it is the children among us who seem to get what this Kingdom of God thing is all about.
 
As we move further into this Holy Week, let us consider the ways that we can embody the heart of a child during these times of darkness (as responsibly as possible, since we are adults!) Can we find places to laugh? Are there moments of joy that we can cultivate in our daily lives? But perhaps most importantly, can we take time rest in the arms of our Lord and receive the blessing that comes with knowing that we are always surrounded by a loving creator? 
 
Peace and Love be with you this week, as we work our way through these difficult times. 
 
--Rev. Jamielee

Listen to a musical prayer, O Lord Hear Our Prayer. ​Click the Play button below:

Prayer
Holy and compassionate God, your dear Son went not up to joy before he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified. Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Savior. Amen.

Easter Preparation
You can help us with our Easter preparations! Our Living Cross has been an important symbol in our neighborhood at Eastertime. This year, since we will not be able to gather in person on Easter Sunday, we ask that you help prepare by making flowers at home! Below are a few links to tutorials on how to make paper flowers.

On the Saturday before Easter (April 11th), we will have the cross outside on the lawn (if the weather is bad, the cross will be in the courtyard). Throughout the day, please come over to church and place your flower/s on the cross. Please make a point not to congregate with others and keep appropriate social distance while helping us prepare for our Easter celebration!
​
Paper Flower DIY videos on YouTube: 

• Paper Hyacinth Flower Making
• DIY Paper Flower for Kids
• Paper Flower Craft for Kids

---