Palms to Lilies

Palms to Lilies
April 1, 2020
Encouragement, Lent

Avatar for Joanie Williams Pastor Joanie



Through the Valley

Read Psalm 23

Artist: Sarah Are
Ink on Paper
sanctifiedart.org

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known scriptures in the bible. We read it at funerals, in worship, and in our own devotional practices. We read it so often that if we’re not careful, this text could become nothing more than muscle memory.

However, at my core, I believe that the wilderness provides an opportunity for us to declare what we believe. This declaration can be painful, and hard, but I also believe that those moments are some of the most transformative moments of our lives. For it is very different to say that we believe in a God that walks with us through the valley, as opposed to the mountain top. To do so is to make a radical declaration of faith that will not only shape our world view, but the faith of those around us.

I am drawn to this declaration, and as a result, decided to pen this declaration.

Even on the darkest nights, and even in seasons of death and loss, God is with us. God is with us in doctor’s offices and in therapy sessions. God is with us in miscarriages and failed marriages. God is with us when the news feels too hard to hear, and in grief that feels too heavy to carry. No matter where we go, no matter what wilderness we find, God is with us. I truly believe that. However, for the days when that road gets hard, I will carry these words from Psalm 23 close.

May we believe. Help our unbelief.
— Sarah Are

COVID-19 Resources

Information from Christian Church of NCDownload

Your mental health is important! Even more so when your world is turned upside down. Below are a few links that you may find useful as you journey through the days and weeks ahead. Please check them out…even if you don’t think you need them (Hint: The best time to take care of yourself is when you think you are doing just fine!) So, no matter where you are, just click the links and do something today to take care of yourself!

We will continue to look for good resources to help us all cope during this pandemic, so please stay tuned for more. (Seriouly, click on one of the links above…it can’t hurt and is most definitely can help!)

This Sunday, April 5th:
Palm Sunday

While we cannot physically be together this week for Palm Sunday, we invite you to participate in a special Palm Sunday Parade of Palms video project.  Here’s what to do:

  • Find a branch in your backyard
  • Take a short video (5-10 seconds) of yourself or your family waving the branch and saying: “Hosanna!” and/or “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
    • If you cannot do a video, then just take a picture
    • Families/households can get everyone involved and do this as a group
    • Be sure to use the landscape orientation on your phone (holding your phone horizontally) .
  • Send your videos and/or pictures to jason@littletreenc.org or text them to 919-417-0179.

We want to include the whole church family in a picture/video collage in Sunday’s worship service. So, we need everyone to participate to make our “Parade of Palms” happen!

Easter Lilies

We are selling Easter Lilies this year for $8.00. You can purchase an Easter lily to be delivered by one of the Pastors to your home or we can deliver one to someone to let them know you are thinking of them. Let us know where to send the lily (Name of recipient and address); if you would like it placed in honor or memory of someone; or if you would like to include a note to someone. Please keep these in the Dunn, Erwin, Coats, Plainview area. You can drop a check into the mailbox at the church, mail to the church (300 E. Cumberland St., Dunn, NC 28334) or pay on line and make a note for Lilies.

Daily Prayer Call Moves to Three Days

Join us Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12 noon for our Prayer Conference Call.

1. Phone: Call (563) 999-1222
2. Mobile Device: Download “Free Conference Call” App from the AppStore & Use Meeting ID: hoodchurch Download for Android – Download for Apple
3. Computer: Connect to the Internet and Visit – https://join.freeconferencecall.com/hoodchurch

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COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Only those who meet the following criteria should ask their doctor or local health department about being testing for COVID-19 through the NCSLPH: 

  1. Have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days; OR
  2. Have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative rapid flu test

If you meet these criteria and have been unable to get tested by your doctor, please call Harnett Health at 910-893-7550.