Rev. 3/25/04 MARCH 2004 Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday are behind us. The days are getting longer, and as the soil warms, our minds wander. Time to reflect on the eternal truths, and puzzle over the eternal questions: good versus evil, greed versus generosity, and love versus hate. What better way to focus our energies, and rekindle our hopes than a Lenten Supper and Study? More than a "feed and read", it's an opportunity to share scholarship and life experiences. Linking our study with the annual Good Friday Vespers, our weekly study is based on the "Seven Last Words of Christ". If you missed the opening session on Thursday, March 4, there is still time to join us in the weeks ahead. Dr. Shook has prepared a very user-friendly study guide to accompany the program. OUR AGENDA Time (in the Rose Room) 6:00 Supper 6:30 Study 7:15 Dismissal March 4 Review of Study Materials Gospel Theory, Gospel Parallels Doctrine of Atonement (four biblical images) March 11 First: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) Second: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23;43) March 18 Third: "Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother." (John 19:26.27) March 25 Fourth: "Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani?" (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me??) (Matthew 27:46) Fifth: "I am thirsty." (John 19:30) April 1   Sixth: "It is finished." (John 19:30) April 8 Maundy Thursday Seventh: "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Part of 6:00 pm Supper/Service in Fellowship Hall March 4 was our entry into the scripture which influenced Haydn. Rev. Joseph Shook also discussed the four biblical images of atonement - including the "ransom" paid by Christ to purchase our freedom; the battle with the devil for possession of the people of Earth; the ultimate sacrifice made to expiate human evil; and Christ's legal intercession with the Creator to reconcile humanity to God. About that movie -For those of you who have seen it, are thinking about seeing it, or talking with those with opinions about it, The Presbyterian Church USA has produced an on-line study guide regarding Mel Gibson's controversial film, The Passion of the Christ. Click here or go to www.pcusa.org/today/passion/index.htm for a detailed discussion of this film. Click here for information on April events, including our annual Good Friday Vespers, featuring Haydn's Seven Last Words of Christ. March 11 (First and Second Words) was a day for fellowship and scholarship. A meaty casserole was followed by meaty discussion of the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures selected by Haydn. Maybe, just maybe, his younger brother Michael chose the lyrics to adapt what was originally an instrumental work - "Passione Instrumentale". Rev. Shook went on location to Vienna, visiting St. Stephen's Church, where the young Franz Joseph Haydn got his musical start as a member of the choir. Valiantly defying acrophobia, Rev. Shook brought us some dramatic views of St. Stephen's Church, which was magnificently restored inside and out after World War II. While views of St. Stephen's new roof gave some news ideas to Ray Henrikson, Property Committee Chair, other First Pres members had ideas of their own. For the next eight weeks, First Pres is showing its support for First Lutheran's Overflow Shelter by preparing Monday evening meals - with generous support of the Board of Deacons. Peg Schalit adds the finishing touch to one such meal, at an undisclosed location (yes, the stove is avocado). Need a recipe? Click here. Youth Group 25 Cent Rummage Sale While the older generations were cooking, eating, and studying Scripture, our Youth Group set up shop in Fellowship Hall, raising funds for Habitat for Humanity. Click here for details of their March 20th bonanza.