WELCOME TO FLC
All on-site worship and activities are currently suspended, but God is with us and we are here for one another. This web page is a hub for keeping in touch.
All on-site worship and activities are currently suspended, but God is with us and we are here for one another. This web page is a hub for keeping in touch.
Online services will involve multiple worship leaders participating from where they are sheltering in place, including some wonderful musicians: Lee Steward, Heather Paisar, Alex Taite and Jessica House Steward. You can download Pdf copies of the bulletins (link above) or just join us in the zoom worship.
Online worship is just one of many ways we can enter into this sacred time. In the tabs / images above you’ll find other suggestions for personal and household devotions during Holy Week, including preparation for worship.
April 6, 2020
Bring something fragrant into your common room: bake some bread, light a scented candle, or pour out a little perfume, mindful of the perfume Mary used to anoint Jesus’ body. Read about this event in John 12 as well as today’s reading from Isaiah 42. Say the following prayer:
O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Reflect / Discuss / Journal: In the prophet Isaiah, God says “the former things have come to pass, new things I declare.” What new things might these be? What are the new things you see happening as we “shelter-in-place” that give you hope for the future?
April 7, 2020
From today’s scripture texts, read especially 1st Corinthians and from John’s gospel. Jesus promises that he will draw all people together around himself. How are you being drawn together with others? As part of your devotions, connect with someone you haven’t heard from for awhile, by phone call or another way. Here’s today’s prayer:
Reflect / Discuss / Journal: Jesus points out that when a single grain of wheat falls into the ground, it grows up to produce much fruit and life. Where do you see new life springing up?
April 8, 2020
Read today’s assigned texts from the Psalms and John’s gospel. In the Psalm we pray, “you are my helper and deliver, O God, do not delay!” Write down some petition that feels urgent to you right now. Email it to Pastor Bernt, to be included in the Maundy Thursday petitions. Then, as part your personal devotions, say the following prayer:
Reflect / Discuss / Journal: Jesus knows Judas’ betrayal, and yet gives himself graciously in love for Judas and all of us. In the past year, how has God been good and gracious to you?
April 9, 2020
Here are today’s assigned readings. At first Peter objects to having Jesus wash his feet: “you will never wash my feet!” Consider how love is about humbly letting someone else care for me. (Paul says “love is patient … endures all things … doesn’t insist on its own way” 1 Cor 13). During this day, try and receive a gift someone else wants to give you. Ask for help. Donate to a charitable cause, in this way supporting someone else’s efforts.
Join us for online zoom worship at 7pm. Here’s today’s prayer:
April 10, 2020
Here are today’s assigned readings. On this day, you might read the passion story according to John’s gospel on your own. What do you find challenging, troubling, helpful?
Find a cross in your house, such as a wall hanging or necklace. Have it with you when you join us for worship on zoom at 7pm, for a blessing of the crosses. Here’s today’s prayer:
April 11, 2020
Here are today’s assigned readings. They’re the readings for the morning of Holy Saturday, and they draw us into lament and remind us that Jesus dead and in the tomb, together with all those who have died. Here are some reflections on Holy Saturday that connect with the current pandemic.
During the day, look for a candle to bring to the worship of Easter Vigil, online at 7pm. Holy Saturday turns to Easter at sundown. The light of Christ is lit in each of us. Here’s tonight’s prayer:
April 12, 2020
Here are today’s assigned readings. At Sunday dinner today, use this prayer of grace and longing for communion. Here’s the prayer that will be used in online worship, 9:30am: