Waynesboro Church of the Brethren Newsletter
April 18, 2021
Pastor's Pen
The next six weeks we’re going to be looking at the Old Testament book of Esther. Esther is a historical narrative some four hundred years before Jesus. It covers some of the more challenging days for the Jews when they’re living under the Persian Empire. Esther was controversial for some, including Martin Luther. It is one of two books in the Bible named for women, the other being Ruth. It is also one of two books in the Bible not to mention God by name. The other is Songs of Solomon. However, I believe that the book is in the Bible because God wants it there. There are events that happen in the Old Testament that are sometimes dismissed, when they in fact lead to Christ’s coming to the world. In this book the Jews are threatened by extinction, only to be saved by Esther who is Queen. If the Jews are wiped out in the four hundred B.C’s how can they return to Israel? How can Jesus be born king of the Jews if there are no Jews? Without Esther and Mordecai’s courage the covenant God made with Abraham in the book of Genesis would be null and void. Everything happens for a reason. Today we will look at the back story of Esther and we’ll see how this story unfolds and makes this humble young Jewish woman save the day and be a hero for her people. In the first chapter we’re introduced to King Xerxes of Persia. He is a man of underwhelming attributes. He’s coming off a military defeat in Europe at the hands of the Greeks, and his wife leaves him because she is sick of him and the dehumanizing way, he treats her. In a culture where the king is considered god on earth, Xerxes’ value is in question. Enter Esther who is encouraged by her guardian Mordecai to enter a beauty contest to see who the Queen of Persia could be. Hopefully, we will learn some things through the telling of this ancient story. – Pastor John
Serving You TodayWorship Leader
TJ Cox Acolyte Ariana Baker Visitor’s Center Sue Bock Undershepherds for APRILMargie Behnke
Linda Kennedy Ann Miller APRIL BIRTHDAYS
2 - Gabe Bittinger
6 - Jean Berklite 7 - Beth Cox 20 - Maryellen Burker 26 - Katie Bittinger 29 - Larry Stoops Vacation Bible School 2021
|
2021 Church Directories
Church directories, both large 8 ½ by 11 and smaller booklets 5 ½ by 8 ½, are being printed by request only.
All requests should include your name, telephone # and size desired and given to the church office. Remember, you can print your own directory at home, as well. 
The 2021 FLOWER CHART is posted on the bulletin board next to the elevator.
Earth DayEarth Day
Earth Day is observed annually on April 22. The first US celebration was held 51 years ago, in 1970, and it became a global occasion by 1990. It was initially championed by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson. The Earth Day Network organizes events for the occasion in more than 190 countries around the world. The 2021 Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth.” Resources from the Brethren Creation Care Network are available at www.brethren.org/creationcare. Sweet Grace Ministries
Sweet Grace Ministries was created in memory of Cicely Grace Dortenzo, who was stillborn on March 13, 2003. Her life had a purpose. She helped show us part of God’s plan for our lives here on earth, a plan to help others experiencing the loss of their own children. The WCOB Women’s Ministry is blessed to be sharing her life, and countless others, in this way. Throughout the year, we have been busy knitting and crocheting small baby blankets. In the Fall, these blankets will be blessed with prayer by our Pastor. They will be delivered to the Chambersburg location where they will be sent to hospitals dealing with infant loss in the surrounding area
It’s The PAJAMA GAME!!
The Women’s Ministry is once again collecting PJ’s and a Book to donate to the Children’s Aid Society of Franklin County. We are requesting any size pajamas/night gowns from Baby to size 18. An appropriate age book to go along with the PJ’s is appreciated as well. We donated almost 50 sets two years ago and our congregation has always been so very generous and the children really appreciated the items. We will collect til the end of May. Thank You!!
Upcoming EventsAPRIL:
WE/21 Prayer Group-10:00 am TH/22 Earth Day TH/22 Handbells - 5:45-6:30 pm SA/24 Youth Adopt-A-Highway WE/28 Prayer Group - 10:00 am TH/29 Handbells - 5:45-6:30 pm MAY: SU/2 Youth Sunday TU/4 Nurture Team - 6:30 pm WE/5 Prayer Group - 10:00 am TH/6 Handbells - 5:45-6:30 pm MO/10 Women’s Ministry - 6:30 pm WE/12 Prayer Group - 10:00 am TH/13 Leadership Team - 6:30 pm TH/13 Youth Bible Study - 6:30 pm |
