We had a wonderful “Music Sunday” at New Monmouth Presbyterian Church with loads of special music. The children processed with palm branches to begin Holy Week. Thank you to the “Ukeladies” (Joann Blouin, Karen Duff, Deb Jarrett and Teresa Thompson) who were joined by Ray Blouin and Tim Hodges and played “Clap Your Hands,” “Sanctuary” and the “Bond of Love.” Thank you to the choir for providing the anthem “The Power of the Cross.” Thank you to Cheri Adkins for the beautiful offertory of “Via Dolorosa.” Thank you to the praise team for leading “Is He Worthy?”
Congratulations to Alanna Connor for receiving the spotlight for her work at Mc-Donald’s and being named Employee of the Month.
The Property Committee recently held an exterior clean-up day, where we removed a large amount of trash that had been dumped or left on the church’s property over and around the hill below the pavilion. This was something that had needed to be done for some time, but became more imminent with the plan to construct a future walking trail along with places to sit and mediate on God’s glorious creation! We had a large group come out to help. Helpers included the Bill, Leil, and Lelia Hackett; the Clarks; John and Sarah Burleson; Tim Hodges; and Peter Lipsett. There will be more opportunities to get involved with this project in the coming months. Stay tuned!
There will be special services this week for Holy Week. A Good Friday service will be held at 6 p.m. at the church. Sunrise service will take place at Hotinger Hill (weather permitting) at 7 a.m. We will gather at the church if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We will celebrate with an Easter breakfast at church following the sunrise service. There will not be Sunday school, but the choir will rehearse during that time. We will have an Easter service at 11 a.m.
We will not be gathering for Bible study on Monday, April 6.
Be sure to check out the Washington and Lee University Jazz Ensemble concert on Thursday, April 9. High school junior Calvin Clark will be playing in the University Jazz Ensemble, and he will also be playing with a jazz combo made up of Rockbridge County High School students plus eighth grader Cordelia Clark. “A Swingin’ Celebration: University and High School Jazz Combo Reunite on Stage” will be presented at Wilson Concert Hall at 8 p.m. The concert is free and does not require tickets.
