FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear friends and members of our Balboa Union Church

On Sunday, the political Summit in Panama will be over, but the other summit not: Easter. We live in the Easter season. Maybe that’s less spectacular and much quieter than the deployment of the Presidents in Atlapa. This coming Sunday we hear the story of Thomas. The name “Thomas” comes from the Aramaic language, the language Jesus spoke. Originally “Thomas” wasn´t a name, but simply meant twin.
What do we know about Thomas? Actually, very few things. John mentioned a small episode (John 11:16). Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem; all the disciples had the feeling that this path could be dangerous. On that very moment Thomas said: “Let us go with him that we may die with him.” – It is truly amazing that one single person could be so pessimistic. So much pessimism as Thomas had should be delivered between 2 people. But Jesus must have had a reason to include Thomas into the group of 12 disciples.
On Easter Sunday, the disciples were together behind locked doors. It seemed that the pessimist Thomas couldn´t bear up that pressure anymore and had to get out into the fresh air. In these 5-8 minutes Thomas missed the big moment. The Risen met his disciples. No big show is shown to us. Jesus greeted his disciples: “Peace be with you. Receive God’s Spirit.”
This is the way how God comes to us, without ado and brouhaha, without force and fire, but gently and despite all sweetness firmly.
Thomas could not believe it. For him, now everybody had gone crazy. But a small glimmer of hope must have burned in him. Thomas, the Guinness record holder for pessimism wanted to know if it is true that Jesus is alive. Thomas had to wait for a whole week, then Jesus also appeared to him.
So even the most pessimistic must give way before Easter. “He is risen indeed!”

Reverend Roland

THIS SUNDAY AT BALBOA UNION CHURCH

Worship Service at 10 a.m. – ALL ARE WELCOME!

Children’s Sunday School Teacher:  Martha de Maduro & Sue Robbins

SPEAKER: Beth Anne Gray

Other News

From Our Mission Committee

Missions Commitee is setting up a Community Center and we appreciate your donations of used but functional computer and office equipment such as desktop PC, laptop PC,  printers,  desks, chairs, tables and any other thing you think will be useful.  bring it with you on Sunday or Let us know if you want us to pick it up.
We Thank you for your generosity and support.

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 –

Ladies Afternoon Tea

In speaking with Betsy, we have discussed having the next afternoon tea at the Los Ríos home, to spend time with their 23 residents and get to know them.  We will confirm details of the date in May for this afternoon tea.  Please contact Beth and/or Betsy for further details or suggestions.