St Paul Lutheran Church Merced

Save the date! And please, let us know if you're planning to attend. Think of what it would feel like to pray for our nation and neighbors together in community with our fellow believers from throughout Merced.

Love INC is hosting the 75th National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7th at noon at Bob Hart Square. Come join us as we lift up prayers for our Nation,City and World!

What's so "Good" about Good Friday?

After all, Jesus died a terrible death. Maybe it's good for us — but it was horrible for Him.

The answer comes in layers.

First, let's deal with the word "good." Historically, "good" was a synonym for "holy, sanctified, or set apart."

In some cultures, this day has been and still is called "Holy Friday." "Good" was never meant to be understood as joyful in the context of this holy day. It is a somber remembrance that Christ set Himself apart to save us.

Which leads us to another dimension, righteousness.

Our God is a good and righteous God who loves His Creation — He loves us! He did what was "right" and "just" for our salvation. He is truly a "Good God!"

And finally, it is Good News — Gospel.

Jesus loves us so much that He willingly went to the Cross to make atonement for us, while also fulfilling all the prophecies concerning the 24 hours between Christ's preparation for the Lord's Supper and His death on the Cross.

Please join us for all Holy Week services next week:
✝ Sunday, March 29 -- Worship begins at 10; join us for a potluck at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall
✝ Thursday, April 2 -- Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 6:30 p.m.
✝ Friday, April 3 -- Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 7 p.m.
✝ Sunday, April 5 -- Easter Service at 10 a.m.

On Easter, join us for breakfast in the Parish Hall from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Build your own omelet, and enjoy fruit, juice and coffee.

Why do we call the day that Jesus celebrated His final Passover meal with His disciples “Maundy Thursday?”

Maundy comes from the Latin “Mandatum” which means “Mandate.”

During that Passover meal, Jesus gave His Disciples these mandates:

Love one another as I have loved you. If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, You must become the servants of all and wash each other’s feet. Do this in remembrance of Me.

That final one is why we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday. Please join us for service at 7 p.m. on April 2.