Welcome to Zion Lutheran Church

Fifth Sunday in Lent

INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY

Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the Gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing the feet of Jesus with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading Paul recalls his transformation from the persecutor Saul into an apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 43: 16-21

The prophet declares that long ago the Lord performed mighty deeds and delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage through the waters of the sea. Now, the Lord is about to do a new thing, bringing the exiles out of Babylon and through the wilderness in a new exodus.

PSALM: Psalm 126

SECOND READING: Philippians 3: 4b-14

Writing to Christians in Philippi, Paul admits that his heritage and reputation could give him more reason than most people to place confidence in his spiritual pedigree. But the overwhelming grace of God in Jesus calls Paul to a new set of values.

GOSPEL: John 12: 1-8

Judas willfully misinterprets as waste Mary’s extravagant act of anointing the feet of Jesus with costly perfume. Jesus recognizes that her lavish gift is both an expression of love and an anticipation of his burial.

Announcements!

CHURCH EVENTS

SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS BEFORE CHURCH We meet at 9:40 on Sunday mornings to have discussions before the service each week.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

APRIL 13th Passion Sunday Celebrate the triumphant entry into Jerusalem

APRIL 15th TAX DAY Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s.

APRIL 17th Maundy Thursday

APRIL 18th GOOD FRIDAY

APRIL 20th Easter Sunday. He is RISEN from the grave.

APRIL 22nd Earth Day

April 27th Community Prayer Service at the Bible Church starting at 6:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

We are praying for Michael Koch; Nicole Biler Robinette is on the transplant list for a new heart. We pray that this will happen soon. Keep her; her husband, Stephen; and her parents and family in your prayers. We are also praising God for Braxton as he is recovering from his surgery.

Please keep these people in your prayers as well: Mike and Donna Toy, and all of those who are suffering from diseases or other health issues and their families. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick. Maybe send a card or something to let them know they are being remembered.

FUNDS FOR ZION

Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!

You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.