This Sunday we hear about Jesus hiding. His enemies want to destroy Him but it’s not His time to die yet. So He disappears from their midst. When it is His time, Jesus won’t hide but will be out in the open, lifted up on the cross for all the world to see. Then we, who run to hide from God because of our sins, can grab hold of our crucified Savior by faith and declare, “Olly olly oxen free!” The devil can’t tag us. Can’t harm us. Can’t have us. Jesus goes to His suffering and death in loving obedience to the Father and at His time, no one else’s. His enemies will think they have won but they have just been used by the Father to carry out the salvation of the world. This coming Fifth Sunday in Lent is known as “Judica” Sunday. “Vindicate me, O God.” Judge Jesus. He is righteous. Yet on the cross He is guilty. He is made sin for us. On Calvary, He is judged and condemned. And in that cross, you are judged forgiven and free. This Sunday is the turning point in Lent. After this it will be Holy Week and we shall hear of the fulfillment of all of God’s promises in what Jesus suffers for us before rising again the Third Day.

HELP FOR UKRAINE
A reminder that you can help the people of Ukraine. If you’d like to donate online through LCMS Mission Advancement, you can do that HERE.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
Our Last Lenten Wednesday service is this week. We’ll be finishing hearing about Confession and the Office of the Keys. Then it’s on to Holy Week! (See below for the Holy Week and Easter Schedule).

ADOPT A SHUT-IN
Thank you to everyone who adopted a shut-in during Lent. In my own visits with our home bound members, they are very appreciative of your kindness and connection with them!

EASTER EGG HUNT!
A reminder that our Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 9, 10:00 AM. We’ll have music, the Easter Bunny, and the egg hunt! Children of all ages are welcome.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE
Here’s the schedule for Holy Week and Easter as you plan ahead.

Palm Sunday, April 10 – 9am Festival Divine Service with Palm Processional and St. Matthew’s Passion

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Holy Week, April 11, 12, and 13 – 7pm Divine Services on the different Passion Readings.

Maundy Thursday, April 14 – 7pm Divine Service concluding with the Stripping of the Altar

Good Friday, April 15 – Noon Divine Service on the Seven Words from the Cross and 7pm Chief Divine Service with service of darkness.

Holy Saturday, April 16 – 6pm – The Awe-Inspiring Vigil of Easter

Easter Sunday, April 17 – 7:45 and 10:30am Festival Divine Service and 9am Easter Breakfast hosted by the Elders.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FOR 2022-23
Our school is now enrolling for next year. If you know anyone with children ages 3 years old through Second Grade, send them our way for more information on our Christ-centered academic excellence!

UPDATE ON PETER POLLACK
Peter is now in a rehab facility. Please pray for his continued increase in strength in his lungs as he continues his long recovery. You can sends cards to the Pollacks here:

6490 Breece Rd
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
LIVE STREAM INFORMATION 

You can watch live and find recorded services at the links below:

We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.

Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.

It’s not time for Jesus to die, so He hides. His enemies want to do Him in because they refuse to believe Who He is, the Son of God and Messiah. But when the time is right He’ll enter Jerusalem, be hailed as the King and yet crowned with thorns. He’ll go through suffering and death to His triumphant Easter resurrection. And He does it all for you! See you in the Divine Service!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow
Laetare – Rose Sunday!

1st Way Life Center Donations (this Sunday)