Good day, my friends,
 
            Here we are in the midst of Holy Week. I am so excited about this weekend as we remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
            I hope you have enjoyed some of the stories that I have been sharing regarding our time in Israel in 2017.  I’m going to share one more today.
 
            We visited an archeological site of an old Temple. It was obviously in ruins, but there was still enough that remained that you could tell where you were and what you were looking at. What fascinated me the most was the layout of the main worship area. There was the outer court, the inner court and then a tiny space in the back that was the Holy of Holies. 
           
            I know from my understanding of ancient Jewish history that no one was allowed in the Holy of Holies except the high priest and then only once a year. It was a place that was off limits and people were afraid of dying if they went in there. It was said that the priests would tie a rope around the ankle of the high priest so that if he died when he went into the Holy of Holies then they could drag him out again.
 
            And yet, there I was standing in that sacred space. It was a moving experience to stand there and whisper a prayer to the God who invites me to come close.
 
            In [Christ] and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
 
            Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have access to God. We no longer have to be afraid of coming before Him. We don’t have to let someone else do it. We can all approach God. This doesn’t mean that we treat Him without respect; He still deserves that, but we have been invited into His presence as His sons and daughters.
 
            Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
 
            We have permission in Jesus to come near to God. Let’s not hesitate, but to draw near often. He is waiting to receive us.
 
            There are three services this week to help you celebrate and remember Jesus’ incredible sacrifice for us on the cross.
 
            Tonight (Thursday, April 14, 2022) at 7pm will be our Maundy Thursday Service where we will remember Jesus’ last supper. There will be lots of worship in singing led by Ryan Haugan, Pastor Kevin Haugan will be there as well to lead us in communion, and I will be teaching on the last of Jesus’ seven sayings on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” 
 
            On Friday, April 15, 2022, there will be a Community Good Friday Service held at Emerge Church. Dallas will be leading the worship with a team of people from several churches. The service starts at 11am. There will also be a cross march from city hall that will meet at 9:45am.  The march will end up at Emerge at 11am.
 
            Finally, on Sunday morning (April 17, 2022), we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The title of that sermon is “Famous First Words” and I will be teaching on the passage where the angel meets the women at the empty tomb that first Sunday morning all those years ago.  I am very excited about celebrating with you on Easter Sunday. Bring a friend or a family member. It is going to be a great morning!
 
            I love being on this journey with you. God has much in store for us. I have sensed His joy in our congregation and His anticipation for what is coming next!
 
            I love being your pastor.
 
Pastor Tim