Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As we look back at that historic event, we read in Matthew 21 that as Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them: “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell them that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
Jesus gave specific instructions for these two disciples. First, “Go.” Then, “Untie them and bring them to me.” Finally, “Tell them.” Each of these instructions is a command. They are not just suggestions but commands. We read in Matthew 21:6, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.”
This is the way in which each one of us is to respond to Jesus’ commands. When we are commanded by God to “Love one another,” we are not to just take this directive “under advisement.” God is commanding us to live in such a way that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When God commands us to not make for ourselves idols, or to not covet our neighbor’s belongings, we are simply called to be obedient – to go and do as God has instructed us.
Our number one job as Christians is to be obedient to God’s instructions. God is our only constituent.
As these two disciples made their way into the village to do what Jesus had instructed them to do, I wonder what they were feeling and thinking. Why was Jesus asking them to bring him this donkey and her young colt? By the way, it is only Matthew’s Gospel that has these two animals. What in the world does he have in mind? Why a donkey? A donkey was a beast of burden. It was not some animal of power but of humility. Jesus didn’t choose to enter into Jerusalem on a white steed but on a humble donkey. And it was these two disciples who obediently went to get those animals. The King of Kings was entering into Jerusalem – on his way to the inevitability of the cross – on a humble donkey. And these disciples were heeding these instructions.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to simply be obedient! We don’t have to do anything earth-shattering – just obediently follow Christ. As we enter into Holy Week, may we obediently follow Jesus!!
This Sunday is Palm Sunday! We celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and formally open the observance of Holy Week! Pastor Glen’s sermon on Palm Sunday is entitled, “When Jesus Shows Up,” based upon John 12;12-16. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be continuing a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 16: The Right and Wrong of Money! Please bring your Bible!!
Hope Navigators
Hope Community Church 10-Year Celebration
We are celebrating TEN YEARS as a church! We will have a celebration THIS SUNDAY (Palm Sunday). We will reflect on our last ten years, as well as a look at our hopes for the future!! There will be a reception after worship with refreshments! Please plan to attend this exciting milestone!!
Combined Holy Week Services
We will be joining with three other churches for combined Holy Week services. The following is the order of services:
Wednesday, April 5th. Hope Community Church Preacher: Rev. Dr. Warne Dawkins
Maundy Thursday. Shiloh Baptist Church. Preacher: Pastor Glen
Good Friday. Pleasant View Methodist. Preacher: Rev. Dr. Earl Pendleton
Easter Sunrise Union Baptist Church. Preacher: Rev. Eric Strother
The services during the week begin with Prayer & Praise at 7:00 p.m. And, the worship service begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Easter Sunrise service begins at 6:00 a.m.
We would like to have a wonderful representation from Hope attending these services! We hope you will plan to attend!
Our Easter Service will be at the normal time of 10:30 a.m. in our sanctuary!!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Easter Lilies
If you are interested in purchasing an Easter Lily for the beautification of our sanctuary on Easter, there is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center. You may purchase them for $10 in memory of or in honor of someone. Let’s make our sanctuary look beautiful on Resurrection Day!!
All Church Work Day (Change of Date)
All are welcome to join us for a work day TOMORROW March 31st) at 9:00 a.m. We will enjoy a pizza lunch when we are finished. We will be cleaning up outside, including putting down mulch, sprucing up the outside of the building, as well as doing some deeper cleaning inside. Come out for a fun day of making our church grounds and building look beautiful!!
Golden Oldies Group
If you are interested in starting a “Golden Oldies” group, please see Harold Coiner. The only requirement is that you are 75. If you are 75 and your spouse is younger, the spouse is also eligible. All gatherings will be random (Dutch treat). We will learn about each family and also have fun in the process. We can take in lunch or dinner at various restaurants, farmer’s markets, local concerts/shows, and even Bingo!! There is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Center table!
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at NOON!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointment, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
During March we are collecting Diapers in support of Love INC! They need sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6 diapers or pull-ups, as well as diaper wipes. Please share your donation at the table in the rear of the sanctuary. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
Gospel Hill Ministries will be hosting a Tent Meeting in Waynesboro from April 30th to May 6th. The tent will be set up on April 29th for Riverfest at Constitution Park South in Waynesboro! Plan to attend these exciting night of worship and ministry!
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
Chick-fil-A has arrived in our parking lot!!
Chick-fil-A will be remodeling their Waynesboro store. In the interim they have set up a Food Trailer in our parking lot. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to have broader exposure in the community. Please pray for God to continue using us to be a blessing in our community!
March Birthdays
Debby Ray (3/31)
