Announcements

Lenten Sermon Series - Storylines

Storylines are the important points that keep us focused on the story as it is being told.  They keep us from being distracted by the things that are less important and more confusing.  The Gospel is the story of salvation as told through Jesus.  During his ministry, he told his followers many parables – or stories – as way of teaching them that Gospel.  This year during Lent, we will focus on six (6) of Jesus’ parables.  Some of them will likely be familiar.  Others may not be.  But together they serve to keep us focused on what matters most in our following Jesus and aligning the lives we live with the Gospel.  Our theme for season will be “We become the stories we tell ourselves.  But we are saved by the story God tells us.”

March 9 —— Luke 12:13-21------------Parable of the Bigger Barns

March 16 —- Luke 15:11-32------------Parable of the Prodigal Son

March 23 —- Matthew 13:24-30-------Parable of the Weeds and Wheat

March 30 —- Luke 15:1-10-------------Parable of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep

April 6 ——-- Matthew 18:23-35------Parable of the Two Servants

April 13 —— Luke 10:25-37-----------Parable of the Good Samaritan

Lent and Ash Wednesday 2025

Lent is a six-week season in the church year that precedes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.  Its name comes from a medieval term that refers to the “lengthening” of days which occurs in the springtime.  Lent is a time to focus on our own spiritual growth.  As we journey with Jesus toward the upper room of his Last Supper, to the cross of his crucifixion, and ultimately to the empty tomb of his resurrection, we are invited to grow in our commitment to following him.  Lent always begins with Ash Wednesday (March 5 this year) and concludes with Holy Week - Palm Sunday (April 13), when Jesus arrives into Jerusalem; Maundy Thursday (April 17), when Jesus held the Last Supper with his disciples; and Good Friday (April 18) when Jesus died on the cross.  Lent and Holy Week culminate with Easter Sunday (April 20) and his triumphant resurrection.     

For Ash Wednesday this year, we will be partnering with our fellow Disciples of Christ churches in the area and worshipping together.  This is a great way not only to support our fellow Disciples churches but to experience a greater sense of Christian camaraderie as well.   Together we will offer two (2) opportunities for you to receive ashes:

12:00 p.m. Central Christian Church

7:00 p.m. Christian Church of Illiopolis

The noon-time option at Central will be briefer (approx. 25 minutes) and is meant for those who can get away for the lunch hour but not in the evening.  The evening service will be a bit longer (but less than an hour) and is meant for those preoccupied during the day.  Pastors Vicky, Melinda and I, along with Rev. Melissa Ebken (of Illiopolis) will lead both the noon and evening services.  At both services, we will impose ashes (on the back of the hand or the forehead) for anyone who wishes to receive them.  We will also have communion. 

Blessings – Michael

Congratulations, Danielle Bruns!

Danielle Bruns’ artwork is being featured this month at Gallery 510 in downtown Decatur. The exhibit, which features native American dreamcatchers and mandalas, opened this past Friday. Danielle is a regular attender of the 9:15 service and her sons Alex and Dominick have both attended church camp. Before moving to Decatur, she has lived in Washington state and Minnesota and is an enrolled member of the Chippewa tribe.  Congratulations Danielle!