This Week at Calvin

Calvin Church, at 326 7th St SE, Le Mars, Iowa want all readers to remember the words from Proverbs 3: 4 & 5. They are: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." What great advice for us all in these unusual times! Let's challenge each other to put these words and other favorite scriptures to memory these next weeks.
We are trusting that we will be able to record the worship service again this week for our website: http://www.calvincrclemars.org and online streaming at 10:15 AM Sunday.
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is Palm Sunday, when Jesus is hailed as King as He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. Traditionally we have our children, young adults and adults process into the sanctuary waving our palms to "All Glory Laud and Honor", "All Hail King Jesus", "Shout to the Lord", and "Hosanna (Praise is Rising)." We will be adapting that tradition with some sort of palm plant or someone representing the whole procession. Pastor DeLapp's Palm Service message is based on Matthew 21: 1 - 11 and the Heidelburg Catechism Question and Answer #1. The message is entitled "The Teacher."

Calvin will also be recording a Good Friday service. It will be the Story of Holy Week through scripture and song. It will be similar to the Lessons and Carols that is used at Christmas time. This model gives a panoramic view of God's glorious story of the last week of Jesus' life from his entrance to Jerusalem through the sealing of the tomb. Sometimes it is good to hear this part of God's story as a whole. There is no sermon. The Scripture is the Word; responses are woven throughout. The Scripture readings are taken entirely from the gospel of Matthew in sequence with no alterations- simply the Word read aloud. Songs relating to each portion of scripture will be sung accordingly. At various points items representing the action of the story are placed on a large table in front. They are simply put in place to help people experience the story symbolically. At this service the Christ Candle will also be extinguished. As Christians, we are assured that Christ rises from the dead on Easter Sunday and that Christ Candle is lighted once again!

Calvin has cancelled all activities at the church. However, our secretary will be in her office from 10 AM - 2 PM. If you are in need of financial help, prayer, or groceries delivered, please contact church at 546-4767 or Patrick Visscher, deacon.
All tithes can be mailed to the church or dropped off during the secretary's hours.
Pastor Rev. Dr. Nevada DeLapp is uploading little video meditations to his Facebook page entitled "Bite size bits with the bearded pastor."
Grace and peace to you all from Calvin Church.