April 2023 at the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz
Welcome to the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, as we seek to be faithful to God by being fully inclusive. We have open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Join us as we deepen our resolve to share love generously. This is a time for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and the world as we grow deeply in our faith.
Join us as we seek to build relationships with spiritual depth, reaching out to the world.
We remain committed to offering a healthy and safe ministry in the midst of this COVID Pandemic, offering Hybrid Worship and Hybrid and Zoom Small Groups.
Check out our website for the latest information, and “Like Us” on Facebook!
Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome to grow with us!
Journey with us during Holy Week, April 2-9.
April 2 – Palm Sunday – Communion – Matthew 21:1-11
Journey with us as we remember the “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into our lives!
Palms … Music … The Adventure of New Life begins! Communion will be served; Zoom participants, remember your ‘holy snack’!
Photo Image, Saint-Claude, Guadeloupe, Chates de Carbet Rain Forest, courtesy of Linda Wilde
April 6, 7:30 pm – Holy Thursday
We gather in the Fellowship Hall for this In-Person Taizé Service to remember “The Last Supper”.
Unfortunately, Zoom services will not be available; however, ample space is provided for safe distancing. Mask for your comfort. Music, the story of the Passover, and Communion will be included in this musical service of prayer.
April 7, noon to 3:00 pm – Good Friday
Our Sanctuary will be available from noon to 3 pm for a time of prayer, meditation, and self-guided reflection; stay as long as you wish. Unfortunately, Zoom services will not be available; however, ample space is provided for safe distancing. We remember this day as we grieve the destructive nature of the world in which we live. We pray to change our hearts and our world. We recognize the grace of God…so deep.
April 9, 10:45 am – Easter – John 20:1-18
Our hearts are strangely warmed (as John Wesley would say) by the Grace of God that extends from Good Friday to Easter! Make this day of Easter your new spiritual experience! Be touched by the reality of God’s love; embrace the moment of Mary as she recognizes the Risen Christ! Easter is just the beginning of your new life story!
April 16, 10:45 am – John 20:10-31
Easter is not just an event … Easter is a way of life! Continue to join us as we celebrate the ways in which we can extend new life to others! Kristen Muro will share how we come to transform our lives…moving beyond disbelief and mistrust into the embrace of radical belief! Allow this time to be the opportunity to embrace life-changing, soul-changing and world-shifting ways that can resurrect and transform…ourselves and our world!
April 23, 10:45 am – Native American Ministries Sunday – Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Easter is not just an event … Easter is a way of life! Continue to join us as we celebrate the ways in which we can extend new life to others! Kristen Muro will share how we come to transform our lives…moving beyond disbelief and mistrust into the embrace of radical belief! Allow this time to be the opportunity to embrace life-changing, soul-changing and world-shifting ways that can resurrect and transform…ourselves and our world!
April 30, 10:45 am – Acts 2:42 – 47
How do we live out the rest of our days? With the events in our world that hurt our hearts and destroy the lives of others … might we put our sights on living a sense of “Awe!” as we seek to live the changes we long to see in our world! May our spirits embrace the sense of beauty God creates. Let our hearts live as a people of faith…may we truly be “the Easter People”!
Photo Image, courtesy of Joseph Jacobs.
May we find the welcoming place of God as we invite others to share in this journey of the Spirit!
