Holy Week 2010
I used to think that everyone celebrated Holy Week; that period from Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday through Good Friday and Easter morning. Then again, as a child, I thought that Easter was simply a joyful holiday to remember that Jesus rose from the dead, a joy that led all people to enjoying colorful baskets, Easter egg hunts, and giant chocolate cream eggs or solid milk chocolate bunnies. All in all, Easter time was a joyful and "candy-full" time. It never rivaled Christmas because of all the presents we would get in December, but it was an okay holiday, certainly one to look forward to.
But now that I've grown up a bit, I have to say that while I still love the Christmas season, Easter has captured my heart. For in addition to the joy of celebrating the wonder of Jesus’ resurrection, Holy Week has become the very source of hope in my life; hope that my aging body will someday be new and perfect, hope that the sins and follies of my life will one day be replaced by righteousness.
I recently read some reflections focusing on why it is hard for children to grasp the deeper meaning of Easter, while the spirit of Christmas is so easily taken in. The theory put forward was simply that children have not had enough life experience yet to need the kind of hope that is shouted out during Holy Week. Children have yet to experience enough of life’s brokenness to yearn for wholeness and restoration. In short, for most children life is still too good to need a second chance.
Now there are exceptions to that generalization. One of the ministries of Community Covenant is a monthly outreach to young teenage girls incarcerated for offenses to their families and society. In a locked down environment these teens are all awaiting the verdict of judges to know whether they will be placed in foster care or sentenced to years in juvenile jail. These children have all too quickly become aware of their personal brokenness; aware too of their desperate need for a second chance.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus was nailed to the cross he took upon himself all our sin so that we could take upon ourselves his righteousness. Jesus resurrection on Easter morning proclaims that truth, that there is indeed life for all of us beyond our physical and spiritual brokenness. When we accept the salvation God offers us through Jesus’ death, we find exactly what we need, hope for tomorrow, indeed hope for all eternity.
Won't you join us for our observances of Holy Week? Join us in walking with Jesus to the cross and through his resurrection. Discover the joy and hope of God's salvation.
- Pastor Bruce
Advent 2009
“Advent” is a churchy word though it occasionally slips into everyday conversation; usually describing the arrival or start of something. But we can also understand “advent” as “intrusion”. As a 4-week period leading up to Christmas, “Advent” reminds us that God is not only alive but is active in this world; intruding into the human story to save us from the destruction caused by our own brokenness. Christmas is the celebration of God’s advent in Jesus, the Savior who taught us about God, modeled righteous living, died for our sins and was raised from the dead, defining our hope for tomorrow.
It will also be in Jesus’ promised return that a Second Advent will occur to save all who have chosen to life by faith in God. The date of this “intrusion” is not known but it is as sure as Jesus’ birth. Our job is to be ready for Jesus’ return; to be people living by faith in a God who created us out of love and who loved us enough to pay any price to redeem and sustain us. Community Covenanters “covenant” with one another to walk together in such faith.
As you shop this Christmas for special gifts for loved ones, consider giving one special gift to God; you. Come and join us on Christmas Eve (4:00 PM) and give God an hour to open his gift and celebrate you. Praise Him with your voice and listen to His words of love for you, as musicians draw you into God’s holy presence.
Join us on the 24th in thanking God for intruding into our world as a helpless baby so that we would not be intimidated to draw near and gaze upon His beautiful face.
Pastor Bruce
April 8, 2009
Walking together in the ways of Jesus Christ
Welcome to Community Covenant’s webpage!
We hope you will find in our images and information but a taste of the rich life we share in Christ with one another. If you resonate with what you see I hope you will join us on Sunday for our worship of God, for this is a great time for you to sense our sincere love for our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Our fellowship hour following worship is also a great place to experience the power that God’s Spirit gives us to love one another.
Community Covenant is a family of faith that has experienced the power of Jesus’ resurrection for those who believe in His salvation. While many of us have walked together through a decade, from nearly closing our doors through the blessings of spiritual renewal and physical growth, many others have joined us along the journey with gifts for ministry and compassion for the needs of our world. Perhaps God will call you to walk with us in making Community Covenant an ever-growing influence in furthering God’s Kingdom on earth.
This Easter Sunday we will remember Jesus’ question to Mary Magdalene; "..why are you crying?" Today as we face increasing social turmoil, let Jesus offer you a hopeful perspective in which you can celebrate life knowing that He is alive, and that we are a forgiven people.
Join us for this special day of celebration! - Pastor Bruce Johnson
