In this E-pistle

A Rich Book
What Language Shall We Borrow?
Reminders for April Fools and Others

“A rich book which many will come to value highly,” is how one critic describes Joe Hill’s new book, John Calvin “ Suffering: Understanding the love of God.” I have been fortunate enough to read an early copy of the book and can tell you that it is an important book that touched me heart and mind. Joe’s selection of material from Calvin is wise and discerning and his commentary is so well written that you sometimes forget just how significant and weighty the issues raised are. I recommend the book highly for any of us who have ever wondered about the reality of suffering in our lives and world and the promise of God’s sustaining love. Indeed, a rich book. A limited supply of Joe’s book (many already spoken for!) will be available in the church library this Sunday, and word has it that the author will be available to sign your copy.

We sing it in O Sacred Head Now Wounded. It was said in the Te Deum recited in Wednesday’s community Lenten service. I even used it in my April Branches column. The word is vouchsafe. ‘Look on me with Thy favor, Vouchsafe to me Thy grace,’ reads the text of the ancient hymn. Someone asked me about vouchsafe last Sunday after worship. It’s one of those old words we don’t use much anymore, but we should. It’s one of those incredible words that they lose in the churches that disregard the first 2,000 years of Christian hymnody. The dictionary says it means “to grant in a gracious manner; to grant as a privilege.”

In these final weeks of Lent as we gaze upon the beauty of the purple-draped cross, give thanks for vouchsafed grace!

On Sunday we gather at the Lord’s Table and we will here Dave Linkimer’s report from Gulfport, Mississippi and his work in Katrina cleanup.

March appears to be going out like a lamb, which means that April Fools Day should be a perfect day to wash your dirty car. But why wash it yourself when members of our youth group will wash it for you? Youth Car Wash, Saturday, April 1, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crivelli Ford in Bridgewater. All donations will go to help children and youth of the church attend a Christian camp this summer.

April fools also need to set their clocks forward one hour before they go to bed on April Fools Day night.

Finally, fun and foolishness continue next weekend! Plan to bring the whole family or just yourself to our Chocolate and a Movie night on Saturday, April 8:00, 7:00 p.m. Our movie will be the wonderful “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and the price of admission is a chocolate snack to share. Free tickets available Sunday. Bring a Friend!

Then on Sunday, April 9, we’ll enjoy the second annual Massa Domingo Spaghetti Luncheon immediately following worship. Cindy Lloyd and her crew are preparing a great meal and all proceeds will go to support our ministry in Brazil this summer. Join us!

Finally, April Fools, just a reminder that the Deacons Spring Clean Yard Day begins 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8.

See you Sunday.