(Started, but currently postponed, of course.)
March 1 – April 19:
Spiritual Gifts Class: Each Sunday for six weeks, students will grow in their understanding of the way God has gifted them for service in His Kingdom. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and welcomed His presence in your life, it is GUARANTEED that you have been given at least one spiritual gift. Use of that gift will bring joy to you, to others, and to God! If every Christian were to learn their gifts and use them, the world would be transformed! To enroll in the class, call the church office or find the signup sheet on the bulletin board near the kitchen.
(Planned, but postponed.)
March 22
Progressive Dinner: The “Progressive Dinner” returns! To those unfamiliar with this unique, fun event, we dine together, starting at the home of one member / family of the church for appetizers. We then go to another home for the salad “course,” another for the “main course,” and a final home for dessert. Though all are welcome, we ask that everyone call the church office to RSVP so we can ensure enough food for all. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. on March 22.
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(Planned, but postponed.)
March 28
Game Day: Another game day is to be held this month, March 28! Starts at noon in our fellowship hall. Use the door from the back parking lot to enter. Bring a lunch item to share with others and a favorite game to teach others!
(Planned, but cancelled)
April 9
Maundy Thursday “Service of Shadows”: On “Maundy Thursday” we remember Jesus’ last evening before He was crucified on Friday morning. He ate with His disciples in an upper room, during which He shared His words found in the Gospel of John, chapters 13-17.
“Maundy” actually means “mandate.” The “mandate” He gave is found in John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all (people) will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
So – on Maundy Thursday we remember not only His “command” to love others, but also how He expressed love for others by willingly accepting the cross for them!
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(Sunrise service, Easter Egg Hunt and ½ hour of choir music have all been cancelled, of course. See extra note below as an update for the lunch.)
April 12
EASTER SUNDAY! The big day arrives with a number of items for your schedule!
1. Come experience the “Son rise” at sunrise with your community! The Mena ministerial Alliance has planned a sunrise service at Bearcat Stadium. Come join us at 6:30 a.m.!
2. Children are invited to the church at 9:30 for an Easter Egg Hunt arranged by the Christian Education Committee!
3. At 10:30, join the choir in the sanctuary to sing a number of Easter favorites prior to …
4. Easter Worship at 11! Don’t forget to bring bunches of your favorite flowers to the church by 9:30 a.m. so that the Worship Committee has time to adorn the Easter Cross!
5. Finally, your Fellowship Committee is providing an Easter lunch for all! It will await you in the fellowship hall following worship. HAPPY EASTER!
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Due to the Covid-19 Virus, we are saddened by the fact we cannot gather on Easter after all. Don’t let that dampen your spirits, however! Sure, we cannot gather as a church family, but we are always in the presence of the One who really matters!
Don’t forget: worship will still be online! You will have access to two worship services; both of them may be found on our new church website, “firstchurchmena.org”.
1. Our own online worship service, and
2. A denominational worship service.
They will be in place by Easter Sunday morning.
Also: we are NOT cancelling the Easter lunch! Members of the Fellowship Committee still plan to gather on Easter morning to prepare a meal for you! We will be using every possible precaution to prevent the spread of the virus as we make “to go” meals.
Here is what you must do to receive one:
1. Call the church office at (479) 394-3583.
2. Give your name and how many meals you need.
3. Let us know if you will:
a. be able to drive through the back parking lot to receive your lunch, or
b. if you need someone to bring it to you.
Is this not part of what Jesus meant when He asked us to “Love one another?!” We are happy to serve you!
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(Planned, but cancelled. The next Pilgrimage is scheduled for October 22-25.)
April 23-26
Presbyterian Pilgrimage: The Presbyterian Pilgrimage, an inspirational renewal weekend, will be here April 23-26! It takes place at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, west of Little Rock. Registrations for this event need to be turned in by April 6. Have questions? Feel free to inquire of Judy and TJ Thompson or Pastor Bill, among others!
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(Planned, but postponed.)
April 26
Movie “Night”: On April 26, starting at 4 p.m., we will view “Risen,” a perfect movie to follow Easter! Popcorn and soda will be available, as well as an opportunity to dine together after and discuss the movie.
