Spring is in the air! Tomorrow marks the Vernal Equinox and the first day of spring. I look outside my window and there are small brown birds in the bush just to the left of me, chirping and rattling the branches. I’ve seen squirrels in the backyard. The earth is coming alive again. And I long to see green again.

 

Spring has been called “the greening time.” It reminds me of Hildegard of Bingen, a Christian mystic who became a nun at the age of fourteen and ultimately became the abbess of the convent.

 

She believed in humankind’s inherent goodness and the goodness of the natural world. She spoke of God’s greening power, which “gives life to all things and inspires and revives our spiritual lives.” She believed the care of the earth was part of our responsibility as followers of Christ.

 

A section of one of her poems goes like this.

Good people, most royal greening verdancy, Rooted in the sun,

You shine with radiant light, in this circle of earthly existence.

You shine so finely, it surpasses understanding.

God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.

 

I hope you enjoy the warming weather and find delight as the earth turns green again. And I pray for you to experience God’s greening power, reviving your spiritual life, being encircled in God’s hug.

 

Yours in the journey,

Pastor Kristen

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Announcements:

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This Sunday, March 23, is Penny- Pantry Sunday.

During the months of January till the end of March funds collected for Penny-Pantry will go towards the Bishop's Appeal. This year, for 2025 The Bishop Appeals funds will be used for Innovate Outreach. Grants from the Northern Illinois Conference will be awarded to churches and leaders that take risks and try new ways to share the Gospel and care for their communities. Check out the Northern Illinois Conference’s website to learn more. https://www.umcnic.org/grants.

 

The United Methodist Women's Club next meeting will be held on Monday, April 07, beginning at 1:30p, in the narthex. All are invited to attend.

On May 1st the Women’s Club is planning a trip to Sunrise Greenhouse, INC., which is located at10300 E. 9000 N. Road, Grant Park, IL. They will be gathering in the parking lot, Thursday, May 1st, at 10a for a day of shopping & lunch. All are invited to attend. 

 

Easter Flowers: Beautiful lilies and tulips will once again adorn the altar of our sanctuary for Easter Sunday, April 20th. Order forms are now available on the wooden table, as you enter the sanctuary. Cost per flower will be the same as last year, $9.00 each. You have until Sunday, April 06 to place your order. You can either fill out the form and place in the collection plate or call Diane in the church office at 708-672-8353 to place your order. 

 

 

Save these Dates: Holy Week Services

 

Pancake Breakfast - April 13th, after church service on Palm Sunday. This event will be hosted by the United Methodist Women’s Club. All are invited.

 

Maundy Thursday: Come N’ Go Communion will be held on April 17, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. You are invited to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. 

 

Good Friday Service: April 18, from 2:30 to 3:15pm.

Easter Sunday Worship Service, April 20 at 10:00 a.m.

A service of joy, music, and song celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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