FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Their eyes were kept from recognizing him …” Luke 24:16
Dear friends and members from our Balboa Union Church
Happy Easter!
Sometimes the routine covers our life and our hopes and dreams. Sometimes we face difficult times or changes that worry us and arises in us fear and insecurity. We walk as these two disciples; they knew the place to which they went. However with their thoughts they stuck in the past. In reality something contradictory happens in this scene: They walk, their bodies go away from the past. But their mind stuck in the past, is captivated by terror they had to support that Good Friday and the second shock to find the empty tomb this Sunday morning. There is an insane moment in this scene; the life of those disciples seems to tear up; body and mind aren´t anymore together.
However walking away helped them. Unaware they meet Jesus, the risen. He makes them a Bible study and gradually opens first their eyes and much slowly opens also their hearts. They discover that the message of the women is true: Jesus lives, there is hope that neither death can destroy.
These two disciples can serve as an example. There will come moments where we do not know what to do. Then we continue walking, meditating and praying and at some point the power of the risen will open our eyes.
Since Easter we are no longer alone. There will be always a way. Halleluiah!
With my best wishes for Easter
Reverend Roland
THIS SUNDAY AT BALBOA UNION CHURCH
Worship Service at 10 a.m. – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Children’s Sunday School Teacher: Mitzila Samudio and Ally McIntosh
SPEAKER: Rev. Roland Schnell
| First Testament Readingsand Psalms | Isaiah 25:6-9Psalm 118:1-2 |
| Epistle Reading | 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 |
| Gospel Reading | Mark 16:1-8 |
Other News
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, 5.00- 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 –
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 toindicate 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 anneighbours to the Easter Sunday service and lunch.
Also we will have Special Music for Easter Sunday