April Happenings @ FCCBC
Hello! Rev. Nate here.
Spring is finally here, and I'm excited for warmer days and early blooms. I'm also looking forward to journeying alongside you through the Easter Mystery this weekend—we've got some lovely worship and surprises planned for you!
I want to offer a special shout out to a couple of folks: one, to Rev. EJ for their efforts on a tremendously successful Lenten family faith formation series on Wednesday night throughout the last several weeks. Weaving good stuff for kids ranging from 1 to 13 and their families is a feat!
I also want to offer my gratitude for all of our families with young ones who are growing into a vital part of our faith community, and to the wider congregation for helping us center love of children in our life together.
By the way, did you know we received grant funding for intergenerational ministry from the Michigan Conference of the UCC? Rev. EJ has been hard at work implementing those resources with our families.
I also want to offer a shout-out to our Church Council, our leadership teams, and our building task force, all of whom have been hard at work navigating our transition with the building and leading our discernment for the future. Deep bows and gratitude for the investment of time, energy, and legwork that have gone into this season. Next time you see someone with a Church Council badge on, be sure to say thank you!
We have some important updates on both of those fronts cooking. More coming; stay tuned.
Meanwhile, we've got quite a bit coming up in April, so please read on to make sure that you've got a sense of where we're headed.
Thursday, April 2nd, 6PM - Holy Thursday Service
This multi-sensory liturgical drama in the Sanctuary will feature chants, readings, and reflections from the perspective of Jesus' friends: Mary Magdalene, Martha, Lazarus/John/the Beloved, Judas, and Jesus' mother, Mary of Nazareth.
We will begin with foot washing and eucharist in the Upper Room, then keep watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he is betrayed. Then we follow him to Golgotha, and keep vigil at the tomb alongside his beloveds.
The Sanctuary will remain open after the worship service for a time of silent meditation.
Sunday, April 5th, 10AM - Easter Sunday Service
Our Holy Week liturgy completes on the morning of Easter Sunday, where with Mary Magdalene we will return to Jesus' tomb to discover that death could not keep him down. We will celebrate the reunion and listen for the voice of our Beloved calling our names as we gather at the table for Eucharist and sing beloved Easter hymns.
For families with young ones, we'll have an Easter Egg hunt before the worship service; please plan to join us around 9:15-ish! And after the service, we'll have an Easter photo booth in the Courtyard for family and friends to capture the moment of Paschal joy.
Sunday, April 12th - Three Big Things:
One, our friends from Trinity Lutheran Church will be joining us in worship! We look forward to welcoming our guests.
Two, a handful of New Members will be joining FCCBC officially! It'll be a joy to celebrate with them.
Three, our Spring Fling potluck brunch will kick off right after worship! Please bring a brunchy dish to share. This is a great opportunity to deepen relationships between one another, as well as between our two congregations. Many thanks to the team organizing this!
Saturday, April 18th - Church Cleanup Day:
Dress comfy and join us 9am-12pm on Saturday, April 18th as we continue to get our building ready for transition. Please ask Sharalyn Davis if you have any questions.
Sunday, April 19th - Worship @ Trinity Lutheran Church
Our friends at Trinity Lutheran Church have invited us to join them for a combined worship service with our two congregations at 10:30 AM on April 19th. Rev. Nate will be preaching and presiding at the service. The address is 2055 E Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, 49014; please enter the parking lot from the Cliff St. entrance.
For folks catching the livestream, the broadcast will be on Trinity Lutheran Church's Facebook page.
Sunday, April 26th - Congregational Meeting After Worship
After worship (at FCCBC!) on the 26th, we will have a brief congregational meeting to hear updates from the Building Task Force and gather consensus on next steps. We will also consider an adjustment to our worship time.
More info on the specific next steps will be provided the week of April 12th for you to consider & pray with, so please stay tuned for that.
And a further preview of coming attractions:
Spring Sunday Faith Formation in May: UCC Crash Course
After worship during May, our leadership team will be offering a deeper introduction to our wider family of faith, the United Church of Christ. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our denomination, our culture, and why we do church the way we do church.
Sunday, May 3rd : UCC History & Identity
Sunday, May 17th : UCC Theology & Worship
Sunday, May 31st : UCC Polity & the Wider Church
Peace & goodness,
Rev. Nate