Thursday, April 26, 2012

All I have needed

thy hand hath provided~

     I am so thankful to God for his faithfulness. I consider his love and his devotion to us and I am left overwhelmed. When I focus on him and prepare my heart to commune with him I feel such joy. And when I see him working in the world around me my heart is comforted. Ever since I started attending Hinkle Creek Friends I have been on a journey. Sometimes the going is slow, sometimes it's confusing and it's always worth it. I can't really tell you how my heart has changed. But, it has. Probably because it's been full of starts and stops and many, many little things.


     One of the most important things I've learned is that first of all, faith means letting go. Letting go of pride, letting go of fear and letting go of needing approval. It also means dedication, dedication to prayer and also opening up your heart over and over again to God's love and to asking him to show his love through me. I have been excited about new breakthroughs, upset over misunderstandings and diversions, and I have been shown that patience is a virtue. I don't know why patience is so important but it keeps popping up again. I KNOW God has been patient with me. And I guess he wants me to learn patience too. I am not an impatient person. But I do get anxious and excited. And sometimes I think too much, or not enough. But, as long as I can keep trying he seems to keep guiding me, gently and in a way that really speaks to my heart. Sometimes God is funny, literal or really elusive and mysterious. He certainly knows how to keep my attention and helps me to stay curious. His revelations come to me when I least expect them and when I most need them. I do feel as if a veil has been lifted from my eyes. That is not to say that I get it right every time. I still struggle with discernment but I do feel I've come a long way. A friend of mine used to say "If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." And it's true! My whole life I have longed for wisdom. But the wisdom I have found is steeped in God's love. And the concern I feel for my brothers and sisters must be steeped in his love or it becomes judgement and fear.


     Sometimes, when things work out and even when they don't I know, I just know that Gods hand is there to guide me. Between the quiet peace that surrounds our meetinghouse. Or the sweet spirit that swirls around our hearts, sometimes I can just see God's love for me in this beautiful world around me. I can feel it and it lifts me up. And when I think about this world and the pain and suffering that happens everyday I can only pray that he will be able to use me to help people understand that he is all of ours. He loves us all. I want so much for people to stop being tricked, disillusioned and distracted by the advisary. I desire to share my faith with others and I pray that God will lead people who are seeking to me so I can show them what I have seen. And God can reveal to them in the special way that he does, that can speak only to their heart. He knows us all so well. His love astounds me. My faith is strong, but I am still very niave and sometimes easily mislead. But, sometimes I feel like I can move mountains when I am within his will. And the peace that fills my heart when I am praying is worth more than rubies or diamonds. There is nothing in this world that can compare with the calm assurance that comes from living a life that is given to the Lord for his will.


     If I could do more for God it would be to pray more. I want to learn more about Jesus and study more what he was trying to teach us. I do know that we are here to finish what he started. It's a big world and many people seem to have their hearts hardened toward Christ. But I try to not suppose that they will never let him in. Because I just don't know what he's up to. I can't see the big picture. I go on the little bit he shows me. And then I have to be very careful about how I try to interpret his meaning, it's a constant balancing act. Know his word, spend time with him, worship, repent, fellowship, faith. And sometimes I just try too hard and I have to learn to let go all over again.


    My church family is such an encouragement to me. And I can't even really say how. I guess it's in so many little things. Isn't that the way families work though? Knowing that when I walk through the doors at Hinkle Creek I will be greeted with love, hugs and smiles blesses me everytime. All I have to do is show up, be ready and be honest. I am so thankful for Bob and Paulette and the easy way they guide us all. It's the many small ways in which they show they care, that add up. And their consistancy. I am so thankful to God for never giving up on me. I imagine all the work that went into saving my soul. All the people he sent my way to eventually lead me to his door. All the times he had to let me learn the hard way and how that must have hurt him.


    For what it's worth, my life is his. He has already done more with it in the past couple of years than I could ever do. And amazingly he has taken all of my mistakes and missteps and used them as tools to make something beautiful. I am not so concerned anymore about how I come across to people. That is God's job. I do hope, that sometimes they will see someone who loves them. Someone who understands them, because we are all more alike then we are different. And if that's the case then I know that people must need him just like I do. Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper, wait a little longer and pray a little stronger.
Our God is so awesome!    

    


Jim & Estelle Tharp

Jim & Estelle Tharp from the book "Estelle" many of you have read.  This picture was taken in 1986

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Legacy Christian School has opened registration for its new Summer Enrichment Camp program. For two weeks this summer, Legacy teachers and staff will offer specialized camp experiences, at a cost of just $65 to $75 per child, per camp, at the school’s location at 470 Lakeview Dr., Noblesville.
Some of the experiences offered include volleyball and basketball skills camps, a Sweets Camp for up-and-coming bakers, Music in Motion Camp and many more. There will even be a Survivor Camp that will give kids a chance to participate in challenges sure to excite them.
Legacy’s enrichment camps will run the weeks of June 11-15 and July 9-13, with morning and afternoon sessions. For a full schedule, as well as details on how to register, call Legacy at 776-4186 or visit www.legacychristianonline.org. Deadline for
The Indiana Department of Transportation will close State Road 38 at US 31 on Tuesday, May 1 by 8 a.m. The highway will be closed between Anthony Road (1 mile east of SR 38) and Dunbar Road (1/2 mile west of SR 38).
The closure is expected to last until September 1. During this time, traffic on State Road 38 will not have access to US 31, nor will traffic on US 31 have access to SR 38. Through traffic on SR 38 will be rerouted on a signed detour, which consists of SR 32, US 421 and SR 47.
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy, a program that identifies and prepares people for leadership positions in the community, is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 class. The class is in session from September through June 2013.
Applicants are judged on “leadership capability, interest in community affairs and ability to commit an intensive program and a desire for increased personal community service.”
On May 17 at 8:30 a.m. at the Westfield City Services Building, an informational meeting will be held for people interested in the program. More information can be found at www.hcla.net or by calling Jill Doyle at 379-1879.

Dash for disAbilities

2012 Dash for disAbilities is coming soon

It is that time of year to start thinking about exercising and getting in shape for the summer. Walking or running in this year’s Dash for disAbilities on May 19th would be a great way to start!

We are growing our teams this year, so why not consider forming your own team of 10 or more people? It’s a fun way to socialize with your family and friends; plus teams get a price break on the registration fee. Individual registration is $20 each; team members are $15 each.

Sounds easy enough, right? It is! Here’s what you’ll need to do. As a team captain, you …
  • Recruit your 10 or more of your family and friends to be on your team
  • Collect a registration form and $15 from each person (cash or checks only)
  • Submit all the forms and the fees together to the office of Mephibosheth Ministries before April 27th
  • Meet on the morning of May 19th at Red Bridge Park to check in and pick up your t-shirts

Whether you decide to participate as an individual or form a team, your efforts will help ensure the individuals we serve will continue to benefit from the meaningful programs that Mephibosheth provides.

2012 Dash for disAbilities Details

Date:
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Times:
8-8:45 am ... Pre-registration check-in
8-8:45 am ... Walk-up registration
9:00 am ...... 5K Timed Run
9:05 am ..... 5K Fun Run
9:15 am .......5K Walk (with 1 and 2 mile markers)

Click here for a registration form with complete details and join us on May 19th!

Tom Rush - Remember Song

Friday, April 20, 2012

Facebook

Hinkle Creek Friends now has its own Facebook Page. Please check it out sometime! We have, I think like 22 people on there already! It's a great way to keep in touch easily and quickly. We will still use the Blog too for those who don't use Facebook. We are pretty excited about this and it's a great opportunity for Hinkle to get information out to the other meetings and to IYM. The Communication Committee uses the church bulletin, the church newsletter, the blog, the regular mail, e-mail, texting and now Facebook to reach out to people. Different avenues reach different people. We sure do live in a rapidly changing world and its hard to keep up with everything. We still don't have a Twitter Account!(???) Seems like technology can make our lives simpler and sometimes complicate it too. So, yet another milestone for Hinkle Creek Friends!


Our Blog has had 30,531 pageviews and 14 people from France looked at it last month ALONE! Wow!


When we reach 30 people on our FB page we will have access to statistics on that page to. It will be interesting to compare.


Whatever we do, we want to be in Gods will. We are His Church and it is Him we adore. I am so thankful for Gods love and patience and guidance. I am so fortunate to be a part of this church family and love all of you so much. We have so much to look forward to this year and if Facebook helps us share the Joy we have in Christ then I think it's worth a try.


Love, Kelly

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Amy Grant - Be Still My Soul w/Fields Of Plenty

Amy Grant

Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still my soul, thy best, thy Heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end
Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious will be bright at last

Delight yourselves in the Lord Yes, and find your joy in Him
Be known for your gentleness
And never forget the nearness of our God
And don't worry - whatever is going to come
Just tell God every detail
And the peace of God that no one understands will come to you
No, don't worry
Just tell Him every detail and His peace will come to you


Read more: AMY GRANT - FIELDS OF PLENTY / BE STILL MY SOUL LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/fields-of-plenty-be-still-my-soul-lyrics-amy-grant.html#ixzz1sUuow657
Copied from MetroLyrics.com

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Simple Joy

 A Simple Joy

A simple joy is holy boldness.


Several years ago when we were foster parents for Cabrini-Green children, a group of gang members decided to surround one of our foster sons on Oak Street in retaliation for a gang incident. It was during the days of early renovation of the Fellowship of Friends building and I had decided to spend a Saturday sorting through debris for the dumpster while Steve was away at camp. Suddenly I heard the commotion outside on the sidewalk. With a “holy boldness” I ran outside into the midst of the gang members who had surrounded our foster son. “Stop it right now!” I declared. As the teens ran off down the street, one of them turned to throw a brick at our fourteen year old foster son. When I reached out to keep the brick from hitting him, it hit my little finger. It began to hurt and wouldn’t move. The next day on Sunday I was to play the piano and preach in Steve’s absence. As I sat in silent worship, I prayed for God’s strength with the knowledge I would probably be just pecking out the melody of the songs. However, God miraculously healed my finger. I was given a testimony from my holy boldness peacemaking!


This week’s devotional is taken from the Autobiography of Allen Jay (1831-1910). On the eve of the Civil War, Allen married Martha Sleeper and began farming in the Friends community near Lafayette, Indiana. Although Allen was born with a cleft palate and he had difficulty speaking, Allen wrote about his call to ministry to give God “glory out of my infirmities”:


No one will ever know what I passed through. It was my thorn in the flesh and cost me many bitter hours of sorrow. I wanted to preach and felt I could not. In a measure I believed I knew how Paul felt when he prayed that his ‘thorn in the flesh’ might be removed, and in some degree, I have heard the message, “My grace is sufficient for thee.’ To this day I never rise to speak, especially before strangers, without thinking about this affliction, though I have reached the experience that enables me to say, “Here I am, and if Thou canst get any glory out of my infirmities, I will rejoice and give Thee all the praise.’ It is said that so many who have good voices refuse to use them to speak well of His name who has crowned them with so many blessings.
One day about this time, while working in the harvest field, a messenger came, saying that David Tatum, who was paying what we called religious visits to the families of our meeting, had come to visit our family. I went to the house and on my way prayed that if the Lord was calling me to that work He would show it to his servant and that he would be led to tell me. Soon after we sat down in silence, he commenced speaking, and his subject was faithfulness in the ministry. Just as I was thinking it might be for my wife, he turned towards me and said, “I mean thee, my brother.’ Then he went on to tell me that the Lord had called me and I must not be disobedient, adding: ‘If thou art faithful, thou shalt see many souls saved by thy ministry, and thou shalt cross the ocean more than once and preach the gospel in other lands…”

Allen Jay was recorded in the ministry of Friends in 1864. In that next year before the close of the Civil War in 1965, Allen had the opportunity to live a witness of holy boldness found in this devotional. Allen was recognized as a peacemaker who “did not shrink from controversy when he saw a principle involved.” May you enjoy reading about his testimony!


Sincerely,

Marlene Morrison Pedigo

Monday, April 16, 2012


Concert in Frankton hosted by UMC of Franklin
This event raised $5000.00 for the school system at Henryville, Indiana. Wright Entertainment supplied the staging, and all the artists donated their time to make the event happen. Thanks to the folks of Madison County who stepped up to the plate and served the people of Southern Indiana in a time of enormous need!






This is a picture of Rachel West Kramer (in the middle) with Becky Isaacs-Bowman  and Sonya Isaacs-Yeary at their concert last night in Roanoke .

Thursday, April 12, 2012

PLEASE PRAY

We just received word that Trish Butcher's son and Velma Brattain's grandson, Alex, has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor and will likely need surgery. Please pray for Alex. He is newly married and has a baby to support. Alex was having trouble seeing and this led to him going for an examination where they did an MRI and found the tumor. The whole family needs our prayers and support at this time.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Alexandria Men of Common Vision are excited to bring you:
Man Up!
Saturday, April 14th
at First Baptist Church, Alexandria
Featuring Paul Coughlin
Buffet Breakfast at 7:30
Worship at 8:45
Book signing after
All books will also be available at Gaither Resource Center.
Tickets $15

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

More Easter Pics!






Summer Camp

Legacy Christian School in Noblesville has opened registration for its new Summer Enrichment Camp program. For two weeks this summer, Legacy teachers and staff will offer specialized camp experiences, at a cost of just $65 – $75 per child, per camp, at the school’s location at 470 Lakeview Drive. Some of the experiences being offered include Volleyball and Basketball Skills Camps, a Sweets Camp for up-and-coming bakers, Music in Motion Camp and many more! There will even be a Survivor Camp that will give kids a chance to participate in challenges sure to excite them. Legacy’s enrichment camps will run the week of June 11-15, and the week of July 9-13, with morning and afternoon sessions. For a full schedule, as well as details on how to register, call Legacy at 776-4186 or visit online at www.LegacyChristianOnline.org. Deadline for registration is June 1, 2012.

Rachel West Kramer news


Rachel has been invited to open for The Isaacs on Saturday, April 14, 2012 in Roanoke, Illinois.

When: Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Where: Roanoke-Benson High School in Roanoke, Illinois
...
Ticket Information: 309-923-7802.

The Isaacs - http://theisaacs.musiccitynetworks.com/
Rachel West Kramer - www.rachelwestkramer.com
This is a major step in Rachels carrer. I told Scott when I called about booking her for Hinkle that I wanted to have her come sing for us before she became too famous. Well, this is a sure sign that her fan base is about to really grow. The Isaacs are one of the top acts in Gospel Music today. So happy for Rachel. She works so hard and stays true to her calling. Awesome news!

Easter

Easter Pictures






HCF Easter 2012











Easter Sunday




Happy Easter!




Tri-County Quarterly Meeting

Sharing Together

at

Tri-County Quarterly Meeting

Sunday, April 22

Sycamore Friends

1148 N 1100 E

Greentown



Supper at 6:00

Meeting follows.

The high school youth will have their own program after supper.



Come to share in food, fellowship, music, and worship.  Let's share some of the blessings we are experiencing in our meetings.  Let's share how we witness God's work in our meetings.

BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT

Paulette is bringing Black-eyed Pea Soup and cornbread. There is already iced-tea at the Church and I'll have the coffee on!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Rachel Kramer concert

Hello everyone!
Rachel West Kramer concert tickets are now on sale and I wanted to share with everyone how we heard about her and also to tell you a little about Rachel herself.


Mike and I went to a concert at the Paramount Theater in Anderson, Indiana last year. It was the Good News Music Radio Show with Woody Wright, Buddy Green, Russ Taft and Reggie and Ladye Love Smith among many others. Included in the line up was Rachel West Kramer. Her husband, Scott Kramer has a radio show with Woody(Good News Music Radio). She sang three or four songs that night. She also brought out her Bible and spoke to everyone about God's amazing love for us and about redemption in Christ. She was on stage with some of the best and most loved singers in the business and it was Rachel that brought down the house that evening. She not only held her own she stood out with her soaring vocals and heartfelt plea to people to open their hearts to Christ.  Rachel is an amazing singer. She also has a sweet and gentle spirit and is a dedicated servent of God. Her performance that evening was so superb I found her unforgettable.


Many months later I was thinking about what we might do at Hinkle this year for a summer outreach event. Woody is going to be doing a concert for a Quarterly Meeting fundraiser in September so I immediatly thought of Rachel. Rachel and her husband, Scott live in Peoria, Illinois and their ministry is called Hands of Love and they also have a record label called Station Records.


When M&O decided to go forward with the idea of bringing Rachel to Hinkle Creek I was so excited. And when I spoke to her she was thrilled because Woody and Vonnie had told her how much they love Hinkle and she was looking forward to coming here. She was very humble and gracious and it seemed they were as excited about coming to Hinkle as I was about inviting them.


We are going to have a Friday night (June 15) concert at 7:00. Tickets are $10 which includes a dessert reception. Rachel suggested that all of the women of the church gather at 4:30 prior to the concert for a womens time of prayer and worship. She said that during that time Scott is setting up all of the sound equipment she has nothing to do and would love to spend the time with the women sharing and getting to know one another.


When I talked to Woody about Rachel coming to Hinkle he was thrilled! He said that he thought that having Rachel come to Hinkle was a wonderful idea and said he thinks everyone will just love her. Paulette has heard her sing and also mentioned that she hopes everyone comes because she thinks they will surely be blessed.


Rachel's talent and her abilty to communicate the gospel are truly wonderful gifts. I just thought some of you you may be wondering how we came to hear of her in the first place. Please call me if you need tickets 317-691-2329 or you can pick your tickets up at Hinkle on a Sunday after worship. We want to continue to have concerts every year here at Hinkle and we would love to have a full house for this event so please help us spread the word about this special evening.


Thank you!
Kelly

Passion of the Christ- In Christ Alone

"Then Came The Morning" By Gloria Gaither & Guy Penrod

Friday, April 6, 2012

John 19

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

19 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said,[a] “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

Pilate’s Decision

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our[b] law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.[c]

The King on a Cross

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”[d]
Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Behold Your Mother

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

It Is Finished

28 After this, Jesus, knowing[e] that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”[f] 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”[g]

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Luke 23

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Handed Over to Pontius Pilate

23 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the[a] nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”
3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered him and said, It is as you say.”
4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”
5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Jesus Faces Herod

6 When Pilate heard of Galilee,[b] he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him;[c] and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him 17 (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).[d]
18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.
20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.[e] 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them[f] the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

The King on a Cross

26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’[g] 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”[h]
And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:[i]
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,[j] save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[k] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Jesus Dies on the Cross

44 Now it was[l] about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened,[m] and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’”[n] Having said this, He breathed His last.
47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”
48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting[o] for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.
55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Mark 15

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Faces Pilate

15 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered and said to him, It is as you say.”
3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”[a] 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. 7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. 8 Then the multitude, crying aloud,[b] began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”
14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”
15 So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. 17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, 18 and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

The King on a Cross

21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. 22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.
25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above:
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. 28 So the Scripture was fulfilled[c] which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”[d]
29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”
31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”[e]
Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

Jesus Dies on the Cross

33 Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”[f]
35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” 36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last,[g] he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”
40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb

42 Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

Matthew 27:27-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

Easter Sunday


Easter Sunday Schedule
8:30 Carry in Breakfast
10:00 Worship
Easter Egg Hunt