Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
John 19:41-42
As we enter into Easter Week, we want to be intentional about experiencing all of the pain, suffering, heartache, compassion and ultimately joy that Jesus went through in His final days on Earth. Those on the leadership team will be attending services on Thursday and Friday, and we encourage you to do the same. Message us if you’d like any recommendations.
As for Saturday, we will be holding our usual service on the front steps of City Hall. While we will certainly celebrate the resurrection, we don’t want to get too far ahead and rush to it. As Bryan’s pastor in seminary said: “Don’t rush to Easter. Let your people sit alone in the tomb with dead Jesus.”
And so we will. The Saturday before Easter was the darkest day the universe has ever experienced. It’s the only day Jesus never was. Join us as we build upon the crescendo of Easter Week, and transition from the world’s darkest day to its brightest day.
-Kenny
Last Week’s Update…stay connected!
Logistics
Served: ~70
Last week's leaders: Crystal, Geoff, Chi Chi, Br Bensen, Bryan
Next week's leaders: Kenny, Bryan
Next week's preacher: Kenny
Gifts
Last week's: Hygiene
Next week's: Underwear
Looking Ahead
Sign Up for lunches here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040849A5AC2AA6F58-street#/
Sign Up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040849A5AC2AA6F58-weekly#/
Miscellaneous
Our new sound system is here. The speakers look huge compared to the old ones, well, because they are bigger but are really easy to use, and pair as well as the mic.
Service (from Bryan)
I wasn't an "official lead" this week but wanted to help out Crystal and let Geoff focus on the message. WIntonbury Church served with us as part of their "go week" where they focused on Mission. They had packed all the lunches and loaded the entire van in something like 30 minutes....but rain was in the forecast, and since we had extra time, we unloaded the boxes and covered them in plastic bags to keep them dry. There was a huge team so it went quick and it saved Geoff, Crystal and I an hour our wiping out all the crates when we unloaded. Of course, Geoff rebuked the rain in the name of Jesus so it only rained a bit early!
Downtown, the team set up quickly and jumped right in. Both of the speakers gave their last valiant attempt. They served us well. Crystal did a great job pulling the team together and encouraging the readers and offering a bit of insight after the Scripture was read. Geoff started off a little scattered (his words) with the wind blowing his bible and making him loose his place, but once he got down to preaching, it flowed with the power that comes from a man who has been with Jesus.
Two young first time folks from Wintonbury helped hand out communion and the line was long again. A number of people during the closing circle remarked how the prayer sheets really helped encourage people to pray with a focus, and how each person read and was active.
One of the families from 180 Life Church came down with Chicken Stew, not soup, and he was amazed that he went through all of it. He brought "to go" containers not thinking he would run out! Our friend from Myanmar was sharing videos of back home after the earthquake and he was unusually despondent. Pray for him.
As we were wrapping up, a young man approached me and showered me with thanks and blessings for what we do with authentic love, and tears began to streak his face. I called him aside along with Br Benson and as he shared we prayed the Holy Spirit fell HARD on him with refreshment. We we were through, two new first time folks were waiting and asked me if I could pray for them and I simply asked Jonathon to pray over them..." I don't pray as good as you" he said, and I told him I asked him to pray, not pray good... and the Spirit of God came upon him in force, so much so that the two other men were weeping.
An amazing day,
-b
FROM THE COMMUNITY CHURCHES
There was a new receptionist at the front desk and our monthly visit did not make it into the community calendar, nevertheless, we made our way upstairs only to find the walls empty of everything even room numbers. The residents were all in one room as the community room was being painted too... and the memory care coordinator was surprised to see us.
We all crowded into a room and I stood between the two and Andrea, Eileen, Mary and I sang Gospel and our friends joined along in worship.
There was joy. SO much joy today. Nothing can keep back the joy of the Lord
The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale
The Community Church at Brookdale
The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield
The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield
The Farmington Station Community Church
The Gables Community Church
The River Ridge Community Church
The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church
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Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org
