Lenten Season

New Hymn Written for Easter 2020

April 10, 2020 - 12:10am

Just in time for Easter, popular hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written a new hymn titled, This Easter Celebration, specifically for this time in which the Church and its members are dealing with the coronavirus, according to the United Methodist Church website at UMC.org. 

Written as a prayer, when put to music, it can be sung to the tune of The Church's One Foundation. According to the UMC website article, the author has given permission for churches to use the hymn for free during this unprecedented time.

The verses are below:

This Easter Celebration
AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation")

This Easter celebration is not like ones we've known.
We pray in isolation, we sing the hymns alone.
We're distant from our neighbors — from worship leaders, too.
No flowers grace the chancel to set a festive mood.

No gathered choirs are singing; no banners lead the way.
O God of love and promise, where's joy this Easter Day?
With sanctuaries empty, may homes become the place
we ponder resurrection and celebrate your grace.

Our joy won't come from worship that's in a crowded room
but from the news of women who saw the empty tomb.
Our joy comes from disciples who ran with haste to see —
who heard that Christ is risen, and then, by grace, believed.

In all the grief and suffering, may we remember well:
Christ suffered crucifixion and faced the powers of hell.
Each Easter bears the promise: Christ rose that glorious day!
Now nothing in creation can keep your love away.

Good Friday Service

Holy Week7:30 p.m.

Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. Mark 15:37

During this solemn Tenebrae Service, the Chancel Choir sings reflective, somber anthems, the lights dim and candles are extinguished as the last words of Christ are read and His death is imminent. The service ends in silence and darkness.

Date: 
Friday, April 3, 2015 - 7:30pm

Maundy Thursday Communion Services

Holy Week12:00 and 7:00 p.m.

This is my body, which is given for you. Luke 22:19

At these Maundy Thursday communion services we will commemorate the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified.

Date: 
Thursday, April 2, 2015 - 12:00pm

A Fired Up Jesus

March 10, 2014 - 2:49pm

The text from last week's Ash Wednesday sermon...

Suzanne Collins is the acclaimed author of the hit series "The Hunger Games" - which have recently been made into movies. The second movie came out just a few months ago, and the title is "Catching Fire." The basic premise is that there are twelve districts under the control of one Capital. The main character, Katniss, is commonly referred to as the "Girl on Fire." There's a stroke of genius in the parallels in imagery for the character. Katniss is known as the girl on fire because of several outfits she wears that appear to catch on fire. This image of the "girl on fire" plays a double role because of her ability to inspire rebellion and empower the people of the districts to rise up against the oppression of the Capital. Fire spreads. Catching fire.

Easter Flowers - Order Yours Today!

February 27, 2013 - 3:46pm

There are envelopes in the pews to be used for ordering Easter Flowers. If you would like to purchase a plant, please fill out the information on the front of the envelope and enclose a check. You may indicate on the envelope if you would like the flowers in memory of someone or in honor of someone. Place your order in the offering plate on Sunday or bring it to the church office.

Easter flower options are:

Easter Lilies - $15.00 per plant
Tulips - $12.00 per plant
Azaleas - $18.00 per plant
Window Box - Multiple Plants - $35.00 per box

You may also order your Easter flowers here via Paypal. The price will include an additional $2.00 for the Paypal service charge. If you choose to order via Paypal and would like your Easter flowers in memory or honor of someone please send that information to Sharon in the office.

ALL ORDERS ARE DUE BY MARCH 24.

Women's Lenten Bible Study – "The Way"

The Way - Walking in the Footsteps of JesusA Lenten Bible study on "The Way – Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus," will be held on Wednesday afternoons, from 1:15-2:30, in Room 213, beginning February 20.

Karen Stahlecker and Pastor Greta will co-lead the study, which includes video footage of the Holy Land along with study and discussion of major elements of Jesus' life journey, including Baptism and Temptation, the Healing Ministry, Proclaiming the Kingdom, Calming the Storm, Sinners, Outcasts and the Poor, and the Final Week.

Meeting dates will be February 20 and 27, March 6, 13, and 20, and April 3.

Questions? Leave word for Pastor Greta in the church office. We hope to see you at the study on February 20!

Location: 
Room 213
Date: 
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 - 1:15pm

Ash Wednesday Worship Service

February 8, 2013 - 9:23am

Wednesday, February 13, at 7:00 pm, we join together for an Ash Wednesday service. Youth minister, Katie Kiss will bring the message, and the Connection Choir will sing.

The service includes time for personal prayer and reflection, and the Imposition of Ashes, an ancient ritual of having our forehead touched with palm ashes to remind us of our human nature and our need for Christ.

Join us for this special service, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Maundy Thursday Come-and-Go Communion

Maundy Thursday

This is an opportunity to partake in a re-creation of the Last Supper as you gather at the table in small groups to share the body and blood of Jesus. There will also be time for hand and/or foot washing, plus meditation in "The Garden".

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.

How long you spend is up to you. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection.

All are welcome.

Location: 
DGFUMC
Date: 
Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 6:00pm

Wesley's Great Experiment

January 18, 2012 - 1:09pm
Wesley's Great Experiment

Wanted: Ten Brave Christians

For One Month:

- Who will meet once each week to pray together
- Who will give 2 hours time each week to our church (self-surrender)
- Who will give God 1/10 of their earnings during this month (self-sacrifice)
- Who will commit to 30 minutes of prayer and meditation each day
- Who will witness for God their experience to others

Join in Wesley's Great Experiment during Lent!

Lent: Day 40

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelations 3:20

The church I attended as a child had a large stained glass window depicting a young, bearded Jesus in a long red robe knocking at a thick wooden door without a doorknob or latch on the outside. His head was slightly turned so that he appeared to be listening for footsteps and the click of a latch turning. Jesus, our teacher, told us, he cannot open the door; the door can only be opened from the inside.

Contributor: 
Carol Lysne
Sunday, April 17, 2011

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God, as known to us in Jesus Christ, welcomes all.

We welcome people of any race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, social or economic status, employment status, or life situation; including people with physical or mental illness or disability.

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