Calvary updates 3/20

"... as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head" Mark 14:3

A very precious story of worship and anointing of the body of Jesus is shared with us in Mark 14. This took place just a few days before his crucifixion. This chapter shows how controversial Jesus was. Reactions to Jesus and his visible demonstrations that he was the Messiah were met with anger, obstinance, faith, joy and doubt. The same is true in 2026.

In Mark 14, you find three reactions. First, the chief priests and scribes are seeking a way to arrest him and kill him in the opening verses. Next, we find a lavish gift of worship, an anointing with nard (almost a year's wages) that the woman offered freely. Third, in stark contrast to the woman's sacrificial gift of a year's wages, we find Judas seeking personal gain, the exact opposite of sacrifice. Judas was seeking a financial benefit for his evil act of betrayal!

What would you like to offer to Jesus this Easter season? A special sacrifice to honor him before Easter has deep roots. It's intended to prepare our hearts to celebrate and look upon the Easter events with fresh eyes. Might I suggest a "fast" from food, TV, social media or to participate in an extended prayer retreat. We will offer just such a time for reflection on Good Friday from 4-6 PM. Consider making that a part of what you might offer sacrificially to the Lord.

This Sunday March 22nd

Make a point of coming to visit with us at 10:30 AM. My sermon this week is "Reviving the Person God Intended Me to Be."  Personal and corporate revival are so important for continued spiritual health. Our Sunday School begins at 9:30 AM...in the first class we are exploring the Old Testament book of Joshua. In the other class, we are looking at the heroes in the book of Daniel. Enjoy some coffee, a donut and fellowship with some new friends at 9:15 AM.

A Song you will hear this Sunday

Word of God Speak: Mercy Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqsnGE3_dsg&list=RDEqsnGE3_dsg&start_radio=1

Women's Flourish Tuesday, 3/24 10-12 Noon

Prayer Wednesday, 3/25 5:30 PM

Special Training Session 3/25 6:30-7:30 PM. Empower, Equip and Engage

Spring Cleaning Day Saturday, March 28th at 9 AM

Men's Breakfast Saturday (one week later than normal) April 11th 8:30 AM

Items of Note for Easter 2026

Make sure you pick up our flyers to invite people to join us for the events below

Thursday April 2nd  6 PM 

A SEDER DINNER EXPLORATION

Prepare your heart for GOOD FRIDAY. We will begin with homemade soups and breads & then study the tradition of the Jewish faith in Passover linked to Jesus and Good Friday.

Friday April 3rd

Church open for prayer and reflection from 4-6 PM (devotional guides will be provided )

Resurrection Sunday April 5th 

6:15 AM Sunrise Service Mineral Springs Park Pavilion beside the lagoon

Breakfast to be served afterwards at the church 

9:15 AM Sunday School with Donuts and Coffee 

10:30 AM Worship celebration.  Message: “How Do You Serve a Risen Savior?”

We have set a lofty goal to read through the Bible in a year.  How about this to encourage you from Proverbs 7:2: Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.  Today's readings were  Exodus 31, Proverbs 7, John 10 and Galatians 6. If you are looking for a different reading plan, you might enjoy:

Dwell — Audio Bible App

https://dwellapp.iorg  

I'm not sure of any other other person that Jesus honored with the statement, Mark 14:9, "And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Why do you think Jesus elevated her act of kindness to this level?

In Jesus joy,

Pastor Frank Winfrey

cell: 309-645-9621