One year ago, Mark and I were in London. London is our favorite city in the world, but we were not there to sightsee. We were there as groupies of the Wake Forest University Concert Choir and our favorite soprano and daughter, Anna. We had no idea how much the world would change over the week. Those last days over the pond, I called together our GRACE Church COVID-19 task force and prayed that our flight home would not be canceled.
We had our first all virtual worship service the Sunday after we landed at JFK. One year later, there is more loss and grief than we can manage in our hearts. But… there is also hope. Not just hope in a vaccine and “our turn” to get it… There is hope in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we put our trust in him and know that he walks with us. As followers of Jesus, we live that hope for the world around us.
This year, you have trusted and hoped — worshipping online, staying connected by phone and by zoom, studying God’s word in classes and small groups, and loving our city in Jesus’ name by giving and serving.
ANNUAL MEETING
This past Sunday was so encouraging as so many of you gathered at BECA and online for our Congregational Meeting. It was a powerful way to mark a year that has been both tragic and tremendous. You heard for yourselves the amazing ways that God is at work in you and through you! It is such a privilege to be your pastor. If you missed the meeting or had trouble viewing it online, we will be posting the slides next week along with a survey that will guide the planning for our Memorial Garden.
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, I will continue in our I Believe Series with “I Believe in the Holy Spirit”. I have been excited and nervous about getting to the misunderstood and often neglected third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit only gets three words of the Apostles’ Creed with a cameo appearance in Jesus’ part of the creed. But don’t let the wordcount deceive you – the power and work of the Holy Spirit changed everything.
I know you don’t want to miss this one, so –remember SPRING FORWARD and SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD before you go to bed Saturday night.
It is good to see so many coming back to worship. Remember, registration is required.
CLICK HERE to reserve your space for in-person worship or
CLICK HERE to watch the services online.
TEXAS DISASTER RELIEF
Thank you for generously giving to partner with our fellow ECO churches, Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, to love Texas in Jesus name through disaster relief. You gave $25,250 that will be divided between the churches.
HOLY WEEK and EASTER
In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We have many ways for you to get ready. And I hope you will invite your friends to join us. Here is a schedule of the week:
PALM SATURDAY, March 27
Easter Egg Hunt – 1 – 3:30 pm, Hecktown Road Campus
Palm Drive-Thru – 4-6 pm, Locust Street Campus –
If you are worshipping virtually, come by the Locust Street Campus for a Holy Week bag to help you mark the days up to Easter.
PALM SUNDAY, March 28
Join us at 8:30, 9:45 or 11 am for worship. We will wave our palms and see the donkey to remember that Jesus came into the world as our King.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1
Worship – 7 pm, BECAHI
Join us for Communion and a Tenebrae service
GOOD FRIDAY, April 2
Journey to the Cross, 10 am – 8 pm, Locust Street Sanctuary
At this self-guided prayer experience, you will walk with Jesus through the stations of the cross.
EASTER, APRIL 4
We will host 4 services to celebrate resurrection.
8:30 and 11 am Modern Services
9:45 am and 12:15 pm Classic Services
Registration is open now. CLICK HERE to reserve your seat.
Counting down the days to Resurrection,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor