First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

College graduates: Michelle, Shon, Kollette!

High school graduates: Mason, Thomas, Randy, Hannah, Chandler, Seth, Jessica!

This service of Communion brings us into the Lord’s presence and into our own “upper room” as we gather to remember the sacrifice of Christ that our sins may be forgiven. Everything that Christ said in the Upper Room on the night that he was betrayed pointed to what he would do for all people . . . and for all time! This 7 p.m. service will be held in the sanctuary.

These community-wide services are sponsored by the Flora area Ministerial Association. Two services are being held this year:

• 12:00 Noon at Flora First Christian Church
• 7:00 p.m. at Living Faith Church of the Brethren

These services bring Christians together to worship God “who took away the sin of the world”, with scripture, song, prayer and meditation on the ultimate sacrifice that was made on our behalf.

6:30 a.m. at Flora United Methodist Church

This community sunrise service is a tradition within the Flora community where Christians have come together in praise for approximately 30 years. This annual cantata is presented by a joint choir of members of numerous churches in the Flora area. The purpose of this service is to state the fact that Jesus died on the cross and rose again! His empty tomb means that Jesus was telling the truth!

A breakfast will follow the service.

The final 2 rehearsals will be held at Flora Methodist on Sunday April 5 and Saturday April 11 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Lent is a journey that followers of Jesus Christ take prior to Easter to meditate on the meaning of the cross and their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. This journey (Lent) is one whose roots are traced to the early centuries of the Church. Its practice has been revived by many churches in the past 30 - 40 years. The word Lent means “the lengthening of days.” This 40 day period (not including Sundays), is for Christians to give increased attention to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, confession of sin, and self-examination as we recall Jesus’s self denial which led to the cross and which makes it possible to yield our whole selves to God. This is done that we may celebrate Easter and live in it with the fullness of Christ.

Our 24 hour prayer vigil will be held on April 8 & 9, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (April 9) and ending at 6 p.m. on Maundy Thursday (April 9).

Members and friends of Flora First Christian are asked to sign up for a half-hour block of prayer. During the day you may pray in the church library that will be set up as a prayer chapel. During the night, participants have the option to pray at home.

See the signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary, or E-mail Phyllis.

Our Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on February 25.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. Lent is the 40 days prior to Easter (not counting Sundays). Lent is a time to think about one’s sins. For many, Lent is a time to give up a favorite food or drink. This helps them remember how Jesus lived a simple life.

Many Christians don’t eat on Ash Wednesday. The day before is often called Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras. It is a day for partying and feasting. People may indulge on that day, especially in whatever they may give up for Lent.

Many like to take up a project for Lent. This represents the servant life Jesus led.

The ashes are made of dried palm leaves left over from the previous Palm Sunday. The palms are burned, and mixed with a little oil.

At the Ash Wednesday service, people have their foreheads marked in the sign of the cross with the ashes. People remember they are dust, and to dust they shall return. People also remember that because of Christ, their spirit does not die with their body.

More information about Lent