FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Kids like building tents – they look for pillows and sheets, and sometimes even use furniture, to create a place where they feel safe. A safehave, like in a castle: children seek security. This feeling of safe-being is vital for children to grow up healthy. It’s not only children that need to feel safe, everyone needs to feel safe, or we get sick.
Clothing is one item that gives us security.
An old law book in Israel forbade therefore, keeping the cloak overnight as a pledge (Exodus 21.25-26). The coat was like a tent for the poor people, their guardian, and the last piece of security which remained to them. If someone took away the cloak was therefore considered as an attack on the personality and integrity of this person.
During Lenten time we focus on Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. He lost that last item of protection; he had no home. He usually did not know where he was to sleep at night. These things expressed the man who actually was the owner of the whole world. But he had no place where he was safe. Nowhere was he tolerated. Finally the last protection was robbed him. Execution wasn’t enough; he was to be destroyed.
Jesus gave his life and God created something new. Jesus outstretched arms on the cross are a sign to us that we find protection and security below him. He watches over our lives day and night and no person nor any force can take it away.
Kind Regards
Rev. Roland
THIS SUNDAY AT BALBOA UNION CHURCH
Worship Service at 10 a.m. – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Children’s Sunday School Teacher: Luis Veagra & Martha Oliva
SPEAKER: David MacIntosh; Sermon Title: “DEMOCRACY”
| First TestamentReadings and Psalms | Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3 |
| Epistle Reading | Ephesians 2:1-10 |
| Gospel Reading | John 3:14-21 |
Other News
Annual Church Picnic
We remind everyone that tomorrow, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. is our Church Picnic on the front lawn of the Church. There will be a barbeque, run by “the boys”, with hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as sodas. There will also be Cotton Candy, Ice Cones and Popcorn, and lots of fun and games for the kids.
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow afternoon for family fun!
From our Christian Education Committee
Meeting after Church, this Sunday
Dear Sunday School collaborators,
I am very happy that the number of children and young people has grown. Sunday School is now a real challenge for us.
First I want to thank your willingness to help in our program. Your help is essential in providing something for children. I want to extend my thanks to our pastor emeritus Luis Veagra for his continuous helps with materials.
This Sunday, March 15, we will meet after the service, and we would warmly invit you to join us at this meeting. I appreciate if we can share a good half hour. Pastor Luis is preparing some ideas and I also want to open the possibility to talk about the needs we have for this task.
With best regards
Rev. Roland
From Our Mission Committee
Open Call:
For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; 36 I was naked and you clothed me; sick and you visited me; in prison and you came to see me. “
Matthew 25: 35-36
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On February 1, we assumed the challenge of coordinating the missions program of our church, guided by the Holy Spirit and always looking forward to serve with all of our being.
However, to carry out the tasks, we need the support of all of you. We all have valuable gifts and talents that God has given us, let’s put them at the service of its mandate. There is No Help too little, all aid is necessary to perform the work of the Lord and your participation makes a difference.
Assume the commitment to transform the world in which we live, by giving the best we have, Ourselves.
ALL IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME. Please also invite your friends and family to volunteer in our programs. they will not regret it.
We will focus on four axes and want your opinion on how the missions program of our church can help.
Children:
Literacy program for children in San Felipe. Education = Opportunities
Affordable day care center for working mothers.
Elderly:
Given the unexpected closing of Catherine Brown’s home, will move our visits to the Home Light and Life, located in Los Ríos, Ancon that is the home to 23 seniors who gladly await our visit.
Families:
transform the Bridging families program to provide not only food baskets, but comprehensive assistance for beneficiary families to help them out of their plight. We Do not want to be a crutch, but a stepping stone.
Prision Inmates:
We all feel fear of insecurity and violence in our society; This is an invitation to do something about it! Give a helping hand hand to a person who has made a mistake and encourage new purposes in their lives after they go out. Often, all you need is One person who believes in you.
If you are interested please send an email with your details to misiones@Balboaunionchurch.org and in the coming days we will contact you for our first meeting.
13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
Betsy Farah Moran
Chair of Mission Commitee
+ (507) 66124494
Thursday Evening – Men’s Group
David has asked us to remind all gentlemen in the Church that they are welcome to join the men’s group that gets together every Thursday, 7.00 p.m., at the Tryp Hotel (Albrook). This is a time for fellowship and getting to know other members of our Church family.
Upcoming Events –
Women’s monthly Afternoon Tea
We are waiting for Mitzi to confirm whether we have a special speaker for this month’s afternoon tea or not (we will know this coming Tuesday her availability). At that time we will send out an email to everyone with confirmation of the date and time.
Easter potluck lunch & Easter Egg hunt
We remind all parishoners that for Easter Sunday we will be having a Potluck Lunch. The office will produce this week a sign-up sheet, for you to indicate what you will be bringing. We will have an Easter egg hunt for the kids (inside the building) after lunch. Please feel free to invite friends and neighbours to the Easter Sunday service and lunch.
Special Property Management Report
We are looking forward to receiving from Sue & Kendra a special report on the 11+ projects that we have going on at the moment in the Church. This will be a “photo-infographic” report, with before and after pictures of everything that they are working on. We can’t wait to bring this to you!
From Our Friends of Cantus Panama
