Public Work
Last week, I blogged about the homework of Holy Week. This week, it’s time to enjoy the liturgy, literally “public work,” of Holy Week. The word used most often by mainline Protestant and traditional churches to describe worship “liturgy” comes from an old Latin word liturgia. Originally,” liturgy” referred to things that we call today public works: road construction, utilities, and yes, eventually, worship. We worship publicly. We can’t worship alone. We always need another person and God. Service is also a form of liturgy, when done to honor and glorify God. Let me share a few ways we’re publicly working as a church family.
On Sunday, we celebrated the Baptism of four believers beginning and recommitting to their faith journey: Rebekah Adams, Philip and Katie Munday, and Barrie Brown. Combined, these four have over 100 years of experience with the Lord, but each one is at a different stage of their walk with Christ. They helped us begin Holy Week worship with a powerful public demonstration of this week: death, burial, and resurrection.
On Thursday, I’ll participate in the Groundbreaking for the Emergency Comprehensive Services Center. Through the tireless efforts of hundreds in our community and the special partnership with First Baptist, the Shelter is now moving to this new center. I’m so grateful that our church continues to be a part of this good work for the common good. We have worked with many groups and churches to house homeless people on cold nights in the winter. Classes and groups have served hundreds of meals in Frenchtown. This new facility combines residential help with direct services for those who need it the most. We will continue to be able to serve “the least of these” with love and volunteer hours. Thank you, First Baptist and staff for leading this effort over the years.
Thursday also marks the kickoff of this year’s drive for A Full Summer. We’ll be preparing over 65,000 meals on Saturday, June 6, that will be delivered directly to hungry families in Leon County. Through a partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, our church and St. John’s Episcopal will partner together for this effort. The event will be hosted by Rickards High School. Listen to the broadcast of the effort on 88.9 FM WFSU Perspectives show at 11:00 a.m.
On Sunday, we open registration for VBS and Upward Sports Camp June 15-19. This year’s theme is “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.” VBS is free for children 4 years through completed fifth grade. Sports Camp is available in the CLC each afternoon for a small registration fee.
We conclude the weekend with five fantastic worship and fellowship events: Remember in the Sanctuary from 11:00AM-5:00PM; The Last Words From the Cross Friday at 7:00PM; and the Family Easter Celebration in the CLC on Saturday at 10:30AM; and Easter Sunday worship at 9:00AM and 11:15AM.
Let’s get to work as we honor and glorify the one who rose from the grave. Happy Easter!