Dear Church Family,
In late 19th century England, the city of Manchester is known as an industrial center. Factories fill the sky with smoke and the rivers with pollution. Tens of thousand rush to the city for employment, but this leads to overcrowded tenement apartments lacking good ventilation. Amid the burgeoning city, many souls fall through the cracks into poverty, illness, and death. But there for about 50 years, one pastor faithfully preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. On several occasions, he’s offered positions in prettier locations, but his heart beats for the souls of Manchester.
His name is Pastor Alexander Maclaren, and I came across a quote by him 20 years ago that often comes to mind around Holy Week: Maclaren writes, “Christian progress consists, not in getting away from the Cross, but in getting more into it; not in passing on to other truths, but in getting deeper into the understanding of that one truth. The same Christ is our life always, and more and more of that Christ is our life as we grow.” (From a sermon on Galatians 6:14 – The Cross the Christian’s Glory”) As early as the 200s, Christians would set aside the week leading up to Easter to recall the final week of Jesus’ life: Palm Sunday, his final words and miracles around Jerusalem, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, his arrest in Gethsemane, the trial, death sentence, the cross and Skull Hill, holy Saturday, and the glorious morn of Jesus’ victory over death. And why? Because Alexander Maclaren is right: Christian progress is more about deeper apprehension of what has always been true rather than some “fresh discovery” of a new truth.
So, join me this coming week in remembering. Reflect. Marvel. Worship.
A few important ways to serve, help, and prepare for Holy Week:
#1: We really could use 25 individuals to park in the rear parking lot behind our building or in the parking lot to our north, RIM Technologies. We’ve had as few as 1-2 spaces left in recent weeks up front. In addition, we rearranged the sanctuary to make space for bigger Sunday crowds. We’ve removed an aisle, so we now have longer rows. If you arrive first, we would really appreciate it if you’d move into the center of the aisle to make space for those coming later.
#2: Who’s Your One that you’ve been praying would meet Jesus? Invite some friends, family, and those you’ve been praying for to these opportunities during Holy Week. Our Good Friday service is at 6PM April 3rd. It will be a sober reflection on Christ’s final hours and death. Then, we’ll have a celebration breakfast Easter Sunday at 8:30AM, before our 9:25AM service. Sign up to bring items for the continental breakfast here: https://www.mealtrain.com/
One last update: the remodeling project is soon to begin. Dillion Construction has begun to drop off a work trailer and supplies. We will try to keep you updated on how we’ll need to flex as this project gets underway. It’s estimated to last around 2 months.
Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and faithful service.
It’s a privilege to labor among you.
Under grace,
Pastor Matt
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