Apr. 9, 2025
Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, invites reflection on Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem, a foreshadowing of his suffering and sacrifice, and calls us to embrace a life of humility and service, ultimatelyleading to the joy of resurrection.
Here are some reflections on Palm Sunday:
● Humility and Service:
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a horse or chariot, symbolizes his humility and
willingness to serve, a message that resonates with Christians today.
● Welcoming Jesus:
Palm Sunday is a time to welcome Jesus into our lives and to be willing to follow him, even when it
means facing challenges and suffering.
● Sacrifice and Resurrection:
The story of Palm Sunday reminds us that true joy and fulfillment come through sacrifice and following
Jesus’ path, even to the cross, ultimately leading to the glorious resurrection.
● Trust in God’s Forgiveness:
Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we can trust in God’s forgiveness and his victory over
death.
● Following Jesus’ Example:
Palm Sunday challenges us to follow Jesus’ example of humility, service, and love, even when it is
difficult.
● Entering Holy Week:
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time for deeper reflection and preparation for the
events of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
● Our Own Dying and Rising:
What we commemorate during Holy Week is not just Jesus’ dying and rising, but our own dying and
rising in Him, which result in our healing, reconciliation, and redemption.
● Questions to Consider:
● Are we ready to become like the humble donkey that carried Jesus?
● Are we willing to follow Jesus, not just to Church but in our daily life?
● Are we willing to entrust ourselves to Him even when the future is frightening or confusing?
● Are we willing to serve Him until that day when His plan for us on earth is fulfilled?
Worship Calendar
Apr. 13 Palm Sunday: The Parade of a King Zechariah 9:9-10 & Luke 19:28-40 Rev. Eric lee
Apr. 20 Easter Sunday Luke 24:1-12 Rev. Eric Lee
Apr. 27 Mission Awareness Sunday Mission Team
May 4 Silver Jubilee Anniversary Rev. Eric Lee
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Flower Cross
Easter Sunday is fast approaching. Please remember to bring a fresh flower on this special day to
add to the Flower Cross.
Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Breakfast
Outreach will be hosting a Hot Cross Bun Breakfast on Good Friday, April 18th at 9:30 am. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Please let us know if you will be attending so that we will have lots of food available. If you will not be at church this Sunday and would like to attend the breakfast, please call Sheila Thomas at 416-948-7140 so that your name can be added to the list. We hope to see many of you on Good Friday morning.
Loonies for Lent
This year Outreach is asking you to set aside loonies and toonies or other monetary donations in order that we may send a large donation to the St James Food Basket. The money that we send will be spent on such basics as tuna, canned tomatoes, tomato paste and vegetable soup which will be distributed to their client families.
Each year the number of people who rely on food banks continues to grow and the uncertain times that we are currently living in will only further increase this need. Outreach is asking our members to send their monetary donations to the church (loonies/toonies in containers, cash, cheques or e-transfers) to support this initiative. Please mark your envelopes for “Loonies for Lent, Outreach” and include your name and envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your contributions by April 20 th .
Our own Kento Stratford’s choir, Men Aloud, (formerly known as the Queensmen) will
be part of this “You have Voice-Male” event on Saturday, May 31st at 7:00 PM at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. It should be a fabulous event with over 100 men raising their voices in song.
Lenten Candle Liturgy Readers
Apr. 13 – Carol Hyndman
Apr. 18 – Chris Parr
A Spring Devotional Update: (Updated Mar. 25, 2025)
A new edition of These Days (April/May/June), as well as the current edition of Our Daily Bread (March/April/May) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on
the church porch.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Residents of Parkland on Eglinton have booked a Mary Morton bus trip on Wednesday, May 14 th to Stratford to see “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Avon Theatre after Chicken Supreme entrée lunch at the Parlour Inn for $227. 00 each. Please call Maureen at 416-433-8148 if interested.
Coffee/Tea Sign – Up
The sign-up sheet for coffee/tea service after worship is on the bulletin board opposite the kitchen
downstairs. Please sign yourselves us or sign up your committee so that our Fellowship time after church can continue.
Apr. 13 – ???
Apr. 20 – Susan & Nancy G.
Apr. 27 – ???
May 11 – Iris & Carol