<p> Thoughts from your Pastor</p><p>Ministry and Worship in March and April</p><p>United, Focused Prayer The congregation of Sibley CRC will be hosting the congregations of Ocheyedan CRC and Sanborn CRC at a united service of focused prayer on Sunday evening, March 10, 2013, at 5:00 PM at the Sibley CRC. This Prayer service has the purpose of petitioning our Creator to have mercy on our land, to grant the return of spring rains and timely rains to replenish the land and to restore rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers and to bring and end to the persisting drought in the Midwest region of the US. And then, to pray as well for a gracious outpouring of his Spirit upon the citizens and leaders of our nation that our Creator may be acknowledged as the one who is our only help, provider and protector. Mark your calendar and invite your family, friends and neighbors.</p><p>Equipped to Care Previously, we reported that we have adopted a program promoted by Stephen Ministries called Journeying through Grief. This program consists of sharing four helpful booklets with persons bereaved at visits with them as they make their way through the first year of grief. We are using this ministry both to share the helpful counsel within the booklets, and also to help us as elders and caregivers to schedule timely follow up visits with grief sufferers. By the way, a set of booklets has also been placed in the library for anyone to read and benefit from. </p><p>I review this for you, because the First CRC of Sioux Falls is hosting a one day training event on Saturday, March 16 (See the posted flyer in foyer for details). This event is for all men and women who would like to be better equipped in showing appropriate and timely care for persons suffering loss. Sometimes our hearts go out to people but our minds and bodies don’t know what to do and our mouths don’t know what, if anything, to say. The seminar presenters are Stephen Ministry trainers. Our Council has decided to send in a $50.00 registration. This minimal fee allows as many people, from our congregation who would like to attend, to do so. (Obviously First CRC as the host and sponsor is picking up most of the cost in an effort to make this training available to sister congregations in the region). If you found Dordt’s Day of Encouragement uplifting and helpful, then you will surely be blessed by setting aside this Saturday for insight and instruction in practical caring for others. Upcoming Concerts</p><p>Sunday, March 17 – 3:00 p.m. - Legacy of Faith</p><p>Sunday, April 7 – 3:00 p.m. – Men of Praise</p><p>Sunday, April 21 – 4:00 p.m. - The Kempers Quartet</p><p>Sunday, April 28 – 3:00 p.m. – Revelation</p><p>Be sure to mention these to family and friends and invite them to enjoy them with you.</p><p>Holy Week, March 24-31 Palm Sunday, March 24, services at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday, March 28, service at 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion Good Friday, March 29, Passion Play performances at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. at the Sibley-Ocheyedan High School auditorium sponsored by the Osceola County Ministerial Association and the local Christian community. Easter Sunday, March 31, services at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ______</p><p>“13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. . . .20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” From 1 Corinthians 15 NIV(Take time to read the whole chapter during the season of Easter).</p><p>Pastor Roger</p>