As we fully launch into our look at examining our own beliefs, this Sunday we’ll take on a question that has been dividing Christian churches and denominations for centuries. Are we saved by faith or by works? It’s more nuanced than you might think!
– Pastor Anne
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AT-A-GLANCE:
Palm Sunday, March 29: Parade at 9:00am | Service at 10:00am
Maundy Thursday, April 2: Service at 7:00pm
Easter, April 5: Sunrise Service 6:30am | Family Service 10:00am
Palm Sunday, March 29, 9:00 a.m. parade and 10:00 a.m. worship service
On Palm Sunday we’ll again celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a New Orleans brass and percussion ensemble, starting with our annual parade around the neighborhood. (Gather at 9:00 to join us in the parade.) The musicians will stay for the service and join the choir in a selection from Handel’s Messiah.
Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.
During this somber service, we partake in Holy Communion as Jesus did with his disciples, and we remember Christ’s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion through a series of scripture readings and hymns, while slowly extinguishing the light in our sanctuary. When we leave, in darkness, we do so with the hope for Christ’s triumphant return on Easter morning
Easter Sunrise Service MOVED TO CRAWFORD’S FRONT STEPS, April 5, 6:30 a.m.
Join us if you’re able on Crawford’s front steps where we will celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with a service of Holy Communion and a few well-known hymns. If the weather is uncooperative, we will move inside. Please join us after the service for a light breakfast in Gifford Hall.
Easter Service at Crawford, April 5, 10:00 a.m.
For Easter, a brass quartet will help us sound the Resurrection in collaboration with the Chancel Choir, including an open-sing of the Hallelujah Chorus! This service will be followed by Easter games and goodies in Gifford Hall for all children in attendance.
After a couple of snow emergencies and giving up one of our nights to the WHS Interact Club, this we’re back to planning, preparing, and serving dinner at the Dweilling Place this month (Monday, April 27). Please sign up if you’re able to provide pasta with meat sauce, salad, roll, or dessert. (For the meat sauce, you can use this simple recipe or one of your own.)
If you’d like to help, please click the button below to see what we still need, and sign up for whatever you can provide. You’ll find more information on the sign-up sheet… if you still have questions, reach out to Steph Altavilla or Brian Rogers.
This Sunday’s sermon will be an introduction for what we’ll be talking about for the rest of my time at Crawford. We’ll be looking at different Christian beliefs—from official church doctrines to Biblical foundations to things that are more cultural beliefs that sprang out of various religious tenets. My goal is not to proclaim what you should believe but to help us all look inward and do a bit of digging to discover what we actually do believe and where that belief came from for each of us.
– Pastor Anne
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After you’ve watched, be sure to subscribe to our channel!
Rev. Dr. Liberato (Levi) Bautista, Church and Society’s Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, offers his reflection on 2026 Black History Month and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ‘s Holiday. The photo above is of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, being congratulated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Harold (left) and His Majesty King Olav V (back to the camera) in Oslo, Norway, December 10, 1964. Dr. King is joined by his wife Coretta on his left. photo by Associated Press
“Now that the remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2026 holiday is over and the celebration for Black History Month is here, I’d like to take a moment to reflect: What does love really look like when fear fills our headlines and racist injustice influences our systems?
“Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day last month, we remembered not just a dreamer, but a dedicated justice advocate—someone who organized, negotiated, marched, prayed, and sacrificed for the vision of the Beloved Community. Dr. King showed us that peace isn’t just the absence of tension; it’s the presence of justice. February’s Black History Month also carries that truth with many stories of struggle and progress by Black people against incredible odds. That truth continues to guide us today.”
Read the full article on the UMC Justice website, HERE.