Spring 2024

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth he said “I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified”  (1 Corinthians 2:2). 

This highlights the importance and centrality of our journey through lent to Holy Week and Good Friday.  Christ Crucified – is our redemption. But for Paul – the good news is wrapped up in this Good Friday event but assumes the fullness of the Resurrection event of Easter. The cross and the resurrection are the central events to the gospel, and to life itself.

This coming week we enter “Holy Week”, the week we celebrate again the cross and the resurrection in our liturgies and services.  Holy week begins on March 24 with a Palm Sunday service at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am. On March 24 at 7:00pm we will retell the events of the Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples (which also was his ‘last supper’ through the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus. This story will be retold through scripture readings and musical pieces offered by members and friends of our congregation. You will be blessed when you attend this Service.

Although Holy Week officially begins on Sunday March 24, we are kicking off our praise of God for the cross and resurrection on Friday March 22, at 7:00pm with a praise and worship concert called “Resurrections”. 

We continue ministry this spring with many other events. We will have Friendship “Community” Suppers on March 27 and April 24 at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Get the word out to the community to join us for a wonderful meal and fellowship supported by our Mission Committee.  Also, on April 24 at 7pm we will have a service of healing and prayer. This is something we started in 2023 and plan to continue this ministry with 2 or 3 healing services each year. 

We have partnered again with Shiloh Baptist church for a “National Day of Prayer” service on Thursday May 2. We will gather around music and God’s word as we come together in prayer. This service will be at 7pm in the Manasquan Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. 

Then, the next morning it’s time to tee it up for the Men’s Ministry Golf Tournament on Friday May 3 at Gamblers Ridge. This tournament is sponsored by MPC Men’s Ministry to raise funds for Youth and families in our community, but it is for everyone, men, women, and all to participate. Check out our website for details to sign up. If you don’t have a foursome just sign up anyway and we will place you with some wonderful people, golf is a great way to make new friends.

Lastly, “The Church Has Left the Building” is back, and will take place on Sunday, May 5. We will gather in worship for one service at 9:30am on May 5, then head out into the community for various local ministry opportunities. Look for a sign-up card in your bulletin on Sunday morning. At the close of the day, we will gather back at the church (Fellowship Hall) for dinner thanks to Applebee’s! On Sunday May 5, wear your white CHLTB

t-shirt to worship and out in the community on our various projects. 

We hope you are able to participate in some of these ministries with us and look forward to seeing you at Sunday worship.  This Holy Week may we celebrate the cross and the resurrection which is the “Good News” we proclaim.  And may this proclamation go out not just this week, or this spring, but through all the seasons of life!

Pastor Jim