Greetings to all from the Second Baptist Church of Suffield. We welcome the arrival of spring with the new life that comes forth following the long winter months. Crocuses have bloomed, daffodils are poking up through the soil and trees are budding and we welcome the longer hours of daylight.
As we deal with the issues that confront us on a daily basis, ongoing war in Ukraine, new war in the middle East, rising prices here at home and the seeming hardening of divisions within our society, let us take the time to remember that we are all part of this human family. We have been created in the image of God and that is shared by all of us. We can celebrate the hope that comes to us through the Easter story, even in the midst of uncertainty.
As we enter the new month of April, we have entered Holy Week, a very special time within the Christian faith, beginning with Palm Sunday, March 29 this year. Holy Week in the Christian year moves us from the celebration of Palm Sunday to the despair of Good Friday, and back to triumphant celebration of resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 5. Anyone is welcome to join us either in-person or on-line through the link on our website, and we wish you all a very blessed season. And to our Jewish brothers and sisters, a blessed Passover which begins at sundown on April 1.
Our schedule for Holy Week is:
• Sunday March 29, Palm Sunday, morning worship with Cantata at 10 a.m.
• Thursday April 2, Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. with Communion.
• Easter Sunday, the 5th Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at Sunrise Park at 6 a.m., 10 a.m. Easter Resurrection Service in our sanctuary.
May the hope of the empty tomb carry you through the difficult times. Peace and Blessings – Pastor Jim, Interim Minister.
Regular scheduled educational/outreach opportunities include:
• Sunday Mornings – Reflection, Study, and Prayer – 9 a.m. – Parlor. Lay led study and discussion to start our week.
• Tuesday, April 7, 21, 28 – Weekday Bible Study – 11:30-12:30-Library. Pastor-led study on how the Biblical scripture pertains in today’s world.
• Friday, April 10, 24 – Prayer Shawl Ministry – 10 a.m. to Noon – Parlor. This is an opportunity for individuals to come together for a time of fellowship while creating shawls that are intended to provide love and comfort to their recipients.
• Saturday, April 11 – Soup Kitchen Ministry – Help serve a meal on the 2nd Saturday of the month for anyone in need at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at South Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass.
• Monday, April 13 – Fellowship Time – 6:30 p.m. – This monthly outreach program is for our friends with cognitive limitations to give them a safe environment for crafts, singing, and fellowship.
•Tuesday, April 21 – American Red Cross Blood Drive – Noon-5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
An activity geared for our young friends will happen on Saturday April 18 at 9 a.m. where everyone is welcome to join us for “God’s Garden”, a hands-on flower planting activity. Wear old clothes because we are going to get dirty as we plant seeds and flowers. Also, we are excited to announce that Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon. Our theme is Road Trip- On the Go with God! Join us for an exciting adventure on the open road, where kids embark on thrilling journeys to fantastic destinations. Led by the Navigator and their adventurous pup, Scout, children will discover that God is always with them. They’ll explore timeless stories from the Old and New Testaments, learning how to face challenges and find strength in God’s presence. Each day we will have crafts, singing, games, theater and more. VBS is for ages 4-12 with community service hours for helpers 12-18. This is a community wide opportunity, and everyone is welcome.
For more info call the church at 860-668-1661 or Sue at 860-402-7813.