Dear Church Family,
They come around the final turn and now it is a sprint to the finish. But just because it is near the end of the race doesn’t mean the steps become less important – they become even more! Every stride takes the runner closer to the finish, closer to victory, but every step becomes more challenging, more difficult. The crowds may roar around the turn, but the celebration can’t fully begin yet. There is more to take in.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds roar with praise, but the chants will turn by the end of the week. Every step, every movement, and every word of Jesus’ teaching is important in this final stretch before the cross.
This is also perhaps a reminder for us too that even as we celebrate the Grand Opening of our Worship and Ministry Center this weekend, there is important work yet to be done, important words for us to share. Are we in “the final stretch” – the final days before Christ’s imminent return on the last day?
“But about that day or hour no one knows,” Jesus says (Mark 13:32). This is all the more reason for us to rejoice in what Jesus came to do on his race to the cross and to recommit ourselves to helping others be prepared for his return at the end of days.
Join me this Sunday as we begin our Holy Week of worship opportunities with Palm Sunday after our Grand Opening celebration this Saturday. What a weekend it will be!
ICYMI – Watch my message from this past Sunday on the meaning for us of Jesus’ words: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” based on Mark 10:17-52.
ICYMI – Watch Lenten Devotion #5 “Reliving Your Baptism Every Day”. Thank you to Pastor Caleb King from our newest DSC campus in North Collin County, TX.
Pastor Ben Has a Call: to serve as an associate pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN. They are looking for a pastor to help lead them in their plans for expanding their school as a mission field for the church. As always, a call like this is not something one seeks out. Rather, it is an opportunity to prayerfully consider and receive counsel as to where God’s people think one’s gifts can best be used in service of the Lord. So I invite any and all feedback you wish to share, and certainly your prayers. Thank you!
Tomorrow is our Grand Opening Celebration! – RSVP here. We want to celebrate with you on Saturday, March 23. Tickets are free for all activities, but RSVP is required. * Please note instructions regarding participation and required consent form for the bouncy house, etc. Be prepared to show your confirmation code at check-in you received when you submitted your RSVP. If there are storms or rain, you can still enjoy a safe, dry place to enjoy a great day with your family! We are prepared to do everything inside.
Every One Invite One … to Celebrate! – Who have you invited to join you at the Grand Opening Celebration? The most powerful invitation is one based on a relationship or friendship. Who is in your life that isn’t yet part of our church family? Pick up a printed invitation at church and personalize it or send a digital invite using the graphic attached and the rsvp link: http://dschurch.link/celebrar Help us spread the word!
Holy Week and Easter – Please note the special worship services and times below for all of our Holy Week opportunities. Easter Sunday we will have a brunch following the service with food brought by everyone to share. Check your email from Staff Minister Becky for the Needs Request to plan our Easter brunch and opportunities to serve!
DSC on YouTube: Watch past messages and worship services on-demand on our church YouTube channel.
Our Giving to the Lord:
Current Weekly Average: $11,094 / wk
Amount Needed for FY 2023-2024: $12,622 / wk
Click here to give an offering. You can make a one-time special gift or set up recurring gifts as well. Please note also that the opportunity to pledge and give toward “$2,025 for 3 Years” is for offerings over and above regular, recurring giving.
Sunday Playlist –King of Kings | Father Welcomes CWH #684 | What Wondrous Love Is This CWH #526 | Crown Him with Many Crowns CWH #511
Holy Week Devotions from Martin Luther College:
These devotions will show us that Jesus truly is the Savior we need. You may access these devotions in several formats:
View the digital flipbook and listen to podcasts online.
Request devotions be sent to your personal email on a daily basis, March 24-31, 2024.
Daily Devotions – Stay connected to God’s Word with the WELS daily devotions. Subscribe and have a devotion sent directly to your email each day. Grace Moments are daily devotions provide by Time of Grace. Download their app for easy access to all their gospel content.
Download Our Church App – Use it to worship online, watch archived messages, and register for events and classes that are coming up. Our app is the communication hub for everything DSC! Search “Divine Savior Church” in your app store. Select “Doral” as your campus.
Daily Bible Reading – Would you read THE BIBLE in a year, with me? Click here to join our daily reading plan using the YouVersion Bible app. Jump in wherever we are and get a daily dose of God’s Word.
Upcoming special days:
- Saturday March 23 Grand Opening Celebration
- Sunday March 24 Palm Sunday and Special Grand Opening Worship
- Thursday, March 28 Holy Thursday bilingual worship w/communion 7:00pm
- Friday, March 29 Good Friday bilingual worship services 5:00 & 7:00pm
- Sunday, March 31 Easter Sunday worship followed by brunch
Changing Lives with Jesus,
Pastor Ben
