Dear Disciples of Jesus,
St. John often refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs,” that is, they point to who Jesus is. This Sunday is the Feeding of the 5,000. It is the one “sign” that all four Gospel writers record. What does it point to? What does it indicate? Just as the Lord provided manna in the wilderness for His Old Testament people, so Jesus provided for the people in the wilderness. But where manna was just enough for the day, Jesus’ sign leaves baskets full of leftovers. While not part of Sunday’s Gospel reading, John 6 goes on where Jesus tells the people that He is the Bread of Life. Remember how we began Lent with Jesus telling the devil, “Man does not live by bread alone?” After He fed the 5,000, Jesus had to teach the people not to come running for bread that doesn’t last but to long for the True Bread, which is His flesh which He gives for the life of the world. The most important meal isn’t breakfast! It’s the Lord’s Supper! The absolute best way to deal with the devil and your trials and temptations, is to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood as often as you can! Don’t neglect it! Don’t skip it! Don’t act like it’s not important. Rush to the altar to receive His holy gifts by which Jesus Himself lives in you and raises you up to everlasting life! That’s this Laetare, the Fourth Sunday in Lent!
LAETARE-WEAR YOUR ROSE
It’s Laetare Sunday! That’s the rose-colored “Rejoice” Sunday of Lent. Celebrate by wearing your rose (or pink or whatever shade) to church this week (Sunday and Wednesday)! Also, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead if you still have the kind that need setting!
BE IN GOD’S WORD
Sunday, 8:00 AM – The Book of Daniel. What does this prophet have to say for us today? How does Daniel point to Christ?
Learning the Faith – A look at the ways that Jesus demonstrates He is really the Christ and the Son of God.
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM – Reading the Book of Exodus. God saves His people and keeps His promises!
LENTEN SUPPERS AND MIDWEEK WORSHIP
Join us each Wednesday in Lent at 5:30 PM for a meal before worship. Suppers are hosted by different boards, committees, and members of the church and will continue each Wednesday through March 20. Then take some extra time to receive the Lord’s gifts in the Divine Service at 7 PM.
This week’s dinner is hosted by Zion’s Board of Outreach and Board of Property.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBERT LEWIS
As many have heard by now, Pattie Lewis’ husband, Rob, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this past week. His arrangements are as follows: This Thursday, March 14, Visitation at Colonial, McHenry, from 3-7pm. A Prayer Service will be held at 6pm. Obituary can be viewed here.
LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES-“TRANSGENDER CHRISTIAN: AN OXYMORON?”
Our Speaker, Greg Eilers will be here next week! His presentation is “Transgender Christian: An Oxymoron?” Greg will speak from experience as he explains what transgender is, the relevant passages from God’s Word, and how we can love others even when we don’t understand their affliction. The Program runs Friday from 5-8pm and Saturday 8am-3pm. There will be ample opportunity for questions (and they can be submitted anonymously). Food and refreshments will be provided. Thank you to our Board of Elders and Board of Outreach for arranging and hosting this event! If you still want to attend, you can register at THIS LINK or call this Church Office.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Join us for our Board of Outreach’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, 10:00 AM. We’ll have music, the reading of the Easter Story, and of course lots of eggs for the children to collect!
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE
Join us as we celebrate our Lord’s Passion, remember His death, and rejoice in His resurrection. Worship schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday (Mar. 24) – 9am Divine Service with Procession of Palms and St. Matthew’s Passion reading.
Monday (25) – 7pm Divine Service – Jesus Prepares for His Passion
Tuesday (26) – 7pm Divine Service – St. Mark’s Passion Reading
Wednesday (27) – 7pm Divine Service – St. Luke’s Passion Reading
Maundy Thursday (28) – 7pm Divine Service concluding with Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday (29) – Noon – Divine Service with the Seven Words from the Cross
7pm – Divine Service with St. John’s Passion reading and service of Darkness
Holy Saturday (30) – 6pm – The Awe-Inspiring Vigil of Easter
Easter Sunday (31) – 7:45am and 10:30am – Festival Divine Service
9:00am – Easter Breakfast
TACOS AND TRIVIA
Our school’s “Tacos and Trivia” night is on Saturday, April 13, 6-9pm. Gather a team of your family and friends to purchase a table and be part of the party. Food will be provided (BYOB), there will be basket raffles of items from local businesses, and prizes for best decorated team tables. It’s going to be a fun night to benefit our school as we raise money for additional swings and playground equipment. Registration forms are available on the table in the narthex. Tables of up to 8 are $150 and Individual Registrations are $25 (and we’ll put you at a table with others).
LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
Reminder that we are only live-streaming on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month (and special services as announced).
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.
The purpose of Jesus feeding the 5,000 was to get their attention and direct them to Him as the One who provides for them. But His point wasn’t just that God gives us actual bread. God can easily take care of our earthly needs! No, we need something even more important: Jesus Himself, the Bread of Life, whose flesh is given for the life of the world. In a world that is full of death, one thing gives life: Jesus! He bestows that life on us as He gathers us at His Table to receive the food of everlasting life: His flesh and blood given for the life of the world on Calvary and given at His altar for you! See you in the Divine Service!
In Christ,
Pastor Buetow
