The Weekly | Sunday, April 1st

Pastor's Update

Palm Sunday is upon us, ushering us into Holy Week. As I look toward this time it's with extreme gratitude. Gratitude for the things God has done through the person of Jesus, to communicate with us, to disclose what we need to know to live with God, to provide the means to be at one with God, and to demonstrate victory over death.

In recent weeks we have said "farewell" to some of our Good Shepherd family members. Death always arrives as an unwelcomed visitor. However, we can be confident and grateful that death has been conquered through Jesus, God's Anointed One, who triumphed over evil on the cross and was victorious over death through his resurrection.

So, this Palm Sunday has special significance as we recall Jesus arriving in Jerusalem and initiating the events that have changed the world forever. Join me in recalling these important acts and in re-committing ourselves to trusting in and being obedient to Jesus, our Lord.

Pastor Jim

Coming Up

The Open Table

A wonderful meal, lovingly prepared every Tuesday from 5:30-7pm in Zirbel Hall. Everyone welcome!

Persecuted Christians

Your prayers are needed for strength and courage as they patiently endure the testing of their faith around our world. Please pick up prayer materials from Open Doors Ministry at the carousel at the Kiosk.

Messiah in the Passover

Plan to attend the Passover Dinner and Program presented by Chosen People Ministries on Maundy Thursday, April 5th at 6pm. Program is free, but a ticket is required. Tickets available Sunday on the patio or in the church office during the week.

Families

Spring Parenting Series

Parents! Don't miss our Spring Parenting Series beginning Wednesday, April 18th, led by staff from the Center for Individual and Family Therapy.

Mommy & Me

Not meeting Wednesday, April 4th or Wednesday, April 11th. Contact Paula at 714/828.9109 with questions.

Adults

Prayer Partners

If you received a prayer letter let us know if there is something specific we can pray for you and your family. Write your request on the back of your letter and put it in the Prayer Box in the Narthex OR email your request to . If you would like to become a Pray-er, contact Pastor Paul at or JoAnn Wall at .

Foundations: Old Testament Introduction

Foundations is a weekly Sunday morning class designed to build and strengthen Christian faith. Over a two-year period a series of core topics are presented and discussed. Two Sunday morning opportunities at 8:45 & 10:30am will start April 15th. Sign up on the patio Sunday.

Sunday Evening Bible Study

On Sunday, April 1st at 6:05pm, the Sunday Evening Bible Study will be offering Mel Gilbson's The Passion of Christ (rated R).

Precept Bible Study

Ecclesiastes records King Solomon’s investigation into the meaning of life, his search to understand what man’s life is about and how people can know God. Join us for a seven week study starting Wednesday, April 18th. Contact Talbot at 562/493.4813 with questions or to purchase the workbook ($10).

Women

GSPC Literary Women

Meet Saturday, April 14th at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. Members are encouraged to bring a “good read” to share briefly. Newcomers welcome! Contact Marge Fleming with questions.

Women's Retreat Meeting

Save the date! Monday, April 30th at 7pm in Room #1. Plan to join us!

Save the Date

Our annual Women’s Spring Luncheon will be Saturday, May 5th. The theme this year will be “What is your Focus?” Ticket sales begin this Sunday, March 25th!

Senior Adults

Fit and Faithful

Not meeting on Monday, April 2nd or Wednesday, April 4th. Resumes Friday, April 6th.

Day Trip to the Huntington Library & Gardens

Senior adults join us on Thursday, April 12th. Price is $35. Lunch on your own. Sign up at the Senior Adult table Sunday!

Opportunities to Serve

Quilters

Meet on Monday, April 2nd at 7pm in the Round Room 4.

Special Needs Dance

Join us on Friday, April 13th from 7-9:30pm in Zirbel Hall. D.J. Wayne Harrington plays great music! Refreshments to share! Contact Pam at 562/430.8343 with questions.

Like Coffee!?

Coffee support person needed for either the 1st or 2nd Sunday of the month. Training and coffee support document will be provided. Please contact Neil at 562/882.8247 with questions.

Cabin Fever

Do you have a cabin that can be used for 2 nights for a leaders retreat? InterVarsity, a Local Missions partner ministry, is seeking to use a cabin April 27-29. Please contact Rob 562/421.2799.

Servants Needed

Contact Roberta 714/878.2212 or sign up at the table on the patio, if you are available to serve at the Passover Dinner on Maundy Thursday, April 5th.

Save Your Recycling

We continue to collect aluminum cans and plastic bottles for the Quinonez family. No glass please. Drop off by the storage bins on Sunday mornings.