Hello everyone—
A week ago, my daughter told me she had gone to give blood. I didn’t even know she was a blood donor. Have you ever donated blood?
This Sunday the message is about sacrifice. The whole season of Lent is about Christ offering so much for us. On Good Friday, we will remember the crucifixion of Christ, his body facing what he faced. Maybe one way we can step in beside Christ, say thank you for all we have been given is by donating blood.
I just did a quick search. LifeServe Blood Center is one of the blood centers in the metro. They have offices in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. According to their website, there is an urgent need for O Negative and O Positive blood. Youth ages 16 and 17 can give blood with their parent’s permission.
According to Life Serve, blood is amazing. It fights infections, nourishes human tissue, and carries oxygen. Cancer patients often need blood transfusions to restore their strength. People facing heart surgery need blood. Victims of car accidents need blood.
There is no substitute for blood. Blood cannot be created in a laboratory. Only our bodies can manufacture it. It is life-giving, and it runs through our veins every moment.
Only God could create such wonder and only God could connect us in such a life-giving way.
Some of our old hymns sing of the blood of Jesus. I was never a fan of those images. They seemed too gruesome to me. But I am a fan of the way we can care for each other. I am a fan of our God-designed ability to help one another be well.
Maybe this Holy Week is a good week to donate blood, give someone else life, and thank God for ours.
Blessings,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United
Methodist Church
720 Grand Avenue West Des Moines Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
Like us on Facebook or visit us at WDMUMC.
And join us for worship. This Sunday is Palm Sunday. We will be worshipping in person at 8:30. That service will be live-streamed. Our on-line worship will premiere at 9:30. Worship in the way that is right for you!
Holy Week and Easter Plans
“Poured Out”: A Maundy Thursday Virtual Worship Service premieres at 7 pm on Thursday, April 1
The service includes six dramatic monologues given by characters who knew Jesus and witnessed his life. Their stories invite us to consider the passion story in a new way, through the eyes of those closest to him during his final days on earth. Worship is led by Pastor Trevor, Jerry Slagter, and the WDMUMC Youth Group. This service includes communion. Please have your juice and bread ready.
Good Friday, April 2 Jesus Steps into Our Pain. We will have in-person services at noon and 7 pm. Please mask and observe social distancing.
Our Virtual Good Friday Worship Premieres at 7 am
Easter Sunday! Christ is Risen! April 4
6:30 am at Resthaven Cemetery Weather Permitting. Please bring a lawn chair.
8:30 and 10:30 am In person in our sanctuary. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing. Please call 279-0826 to make reservations.
Virtual Worship Premieres at 9:25 am
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