While I’m in a “gratitude mood,” I want to express my appreciation to the people of Lowman United Methodist Church for a great Holy week and Easter observance! I was so glad to be a part of Lowman UMC this past week. I hope many of you were, too.

I want to say special thanks to all our musicians who worked so hard for our Easter morning worship services. Also, the youth provided an inspirational Easter Sunrise Service, followed by a great breakfast. Our Easter weekend attendance was over 400!

Now go back in your mind to Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We had over 300 in attendance, partly because of the Children’s Ministry Team Easter Egg hunt. We participated in the Palm Walk and Blessing of the Palms. Our children led us in worship through their Interpretive Movement of “The Lord’s Prayer.” Thanks to all of those people who made these things happen. Again, all our musicians were outstanding. And we were able to have the Commissioning Service for our VIM team going to Poland.

On Thursday of Holy Week, the Worship Team worked hard to prepare and serve a Seder Meal (Passover), which was presented to the Confirmation Class, the youth group, and their families as a learning and worship experience. This was followed with a Maundy Thursday drama for the entire congregation. Everyone who was asked to be in the cast or to be a reader quickly agreed. It was inspiring. As usual, our Communion Stewards had everything well prepared. Almost 150 attended one or both of these services on Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday we had a simple but meaningful remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross. There were nearly 50 in the Chapel at noon, which is a good attendance. I don’t know how many other churches are able to use their “chapel” space as effectively as Lowman does.

I want to acknowledge our hard working staff at Lowman UMC. They went the extra miles for us all, not only during Holy Week but also in the weeks of preparation during the season of Lent. Finally, I want to thank all of you who attended and supported all these important events in the life of this congregation. God is blessing us! Let us continue to be a blessing form God to our community and our world. The Lord is Risen!

Grace and Peace,

Dan Waters