FROM THE PASTOR: Rev. Larry Hoffmann

When I was a teenager growing up on Long Island I sometimes would let my mother know I was planning to do something with my friends. If it was something that she thought I should not be doing, she would not hesitate to tell me, “no.” My objection usually included the statement, “but everybody else of doing it.” To which she would reply, “If everybody else is going to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge would you join them?” On one occasion I replied with great frustration, “Yes, they must have a good reason for jumping!” I was sent into exile for the day to my room to contemplate the meaning of what I had just said.

We are living in a time of great fear, anxiety and anger that is expressed in a number of ways in our American culture, especially in much of the media. It is concerning to see and hear the ways many Christians respond to this. It is like jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge with everyone else. Fear, anxiety, and anger are not to have such a hold on us. We know better.

We are celebrating The Resurrection of the Lord, the power of God at work not only in the life of Jesus 2,000 years ago, but the power of God at work in our own lives today. The power of death over us, including death’s fear, anxiety and anger, has been broken. Our response needs to be different in our current environment. Perhaps we need a day of exile to contemplate the meaning of God’s resurrection power for us today and how it impacts our faith, actions and speech.

Grace and peace to you,

Larry

FROM THE TREASURER: Kathy Mowry

During the first quarter of 2026, generous members of the community have donated a total of $1,600.00 to the "Blessing Bags" Fund (formerly known as the "Breakfast to Go" fund). There are currently 291 students who receive a bag each week.

TRIVIA: Sunday, April 5, 2020 was Palm Sunday. That was the date of our first "drive-in" worship service! Pastor Larry moved a pulpit onto the porch facing the parking lot. The lot was full of cars. Some members and friends called in from their cars and others called from home using the conference call service that we continue to use 6 years later! Pictures of our 2020 Palm Sunday service are posted on the bulletin board along with the “Order of Worship" for Easter 2020!

FROM THE MISSION COMMITTEE CHAIR: Judy Turner

Saturday, April 25 from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm: The Presbyterian of Scioto Valley invite men and women to attend the SPRING GATHERING. Presbyterian women of Scioto Valley are joining with the Matthew 25 Ministry for “Overcoming Divisions – Building Bridges”. The featuring speakers are:

Reverend Jimmie Hawkins of PC(USA) – Director of the Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C. He will be the morning speaker.
Patricia (Pam) Snyder: - PW Board of Directors Moderator of Churchwide Coordinating Team. She will be the afternoon speaker.

The event will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43221. The registration fee is $20 per person which includes lunch. (Cash or check accepted for the fee.)

Deadline to register – Saturday, April 18. Please make check payable to and send it to:

PWPSV Registrar

3259 Avalon Road

Columbus, OH 43221

219-208-5602 or betsyseb95@gmail.com

Calendar of Events

Apr 2^nd – Maundy Thursday
Apr 3^rd – Good Friday Service at Bremen Community Methodist Church at 7 pm. All are invited.
Apr 4^th – Olivedale Senior Center in Lancaster, Ohio, will be having a rummage sale from 8 am to 1 pm. The Olivedale kitchen will open at 8 am with donuts for breakfast and soup and sandwiches for lunch.
Apr 5^th - Easter Sunday - Sunrise Service will take place in the church building this year at 7:30 am. Breakfast is in the church basement at 8:00 am. Easter Communion Service is at 10:30 am.
Apr 12^th – ZETA ALPHA will meet at 9:30 am in the church basement. Lesson 6 will be discussed in the Bible study Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ. All women are welcome to attend.
Apr 26^th - Session Meeting following worship

YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS: The pastor will lead a Confirmation class for youth eleven years of age and older. There will be three two hour classes on Sundays following worship ( 12 noon to 2 pm). Pizza will be served for lunch. The dates are April 12, May 24, and June 7. Please let the pastor or church office know if your young person will attend.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Apr 12^th – Corey and Cara Riley
Apr 17^th – Susan Hoffmann
Apr 22^nd – Corey Riley
Apr 22^nd – Abigail McCandlish
Apr 28^th – Ryan Ray

Anyone wanting to add a birthday or anniversary to the list, please send an email or call the church office.

Lay Readers, Communion Servers and Ushers

Apr 5^th – Judy Turner: Lay Reader
George Shreyer: Easter Communion Server & Usher
Linda Shreyer: Easter Communion Server & Usher
Apr 12^th – Cinda Keller: Lay Reader
Mark & Tracy Embrey: Ushers
Apr 19^th – Susan Hoffmann: Lay Reader & Usher
Susan Henwood: Usher
Apr 26^th – Judy Turner: Lay Reader & Usher
Jane Griffith: Usher

Kids’ Section

This section of the printed newsletter is a page of children’s pictures and puzzles. It is available in the original PDF.

Newsletter April 2026