First Christian Church

First Christian Church will celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All Leisure World residents are welcome to join in the celebration of the most holy week of the year.

Pastor’s Message This week is a very special time for Christians around the world. It’s when believers celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.

The week begins by commemorating Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem last Sunday. Today, April 6, is Maundy Thursday. Maundy means mandate or command. In the gospel of John 13:34 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Jesus loved mankind so much he died for them.

Good Friday, April 7, is the day that Christ was arrested, falsely accused, beaten and found guilty. He was spit upon, mocked, and nailed to a cross to die. John 19:16 says “Then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So, they took Jesus and led him away.” Christ’s last words are recorded in John 19:30: “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.”

The price of man’s redemption was paid in full. Christ died on that cross and his body was removed and buried. Early on Sunday morning when his followers arrived to complete the burial preparation, they saw the huge stone in front of his burial site had been rolled away. Mark 16:5-6 describes this scene: “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.’” Christ in not on the cross, and neither is he in the grave, He has risen; he is alive.

Weekend Services

The Easter Sunday service on April 9 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. will be a celebration of the risen savior. The First Christian Choir, led by Janet Ray will sing “Because He Lives.” Saturday services are more contemporary with Gregory Black leading worship with guitar accompaniment. The service is held from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Holy Week Schedule

Pastor Gary Whitlach leads the Bible study held on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Maundy Thursday service will be held April 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Good Friday service will be held April 7 from 10:3011:30 a.m.

Scripture of the Week

“And the risen Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God” Luke 24: 50-53.

Contact

First Christian Church is located on Northwood Road behind Carport 125.

For more information, call 562-431-8810.