Not Just Another Sunday!

This coming Sunday is important.  Actually every Sunday is important. This is Sunday is significant because it is a day when many people go to church because it is Easter Sunday. A day when we remember that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead.  It is not a concept that I think we tend to forget, but I am not sure we celebrate enough. We often fail to appreciate the historical significance of this event at well.

In our current series, “Who Is This Man?”, we have examine a lot of the impact that Jesus had on our world.  It is an impact that continues even today.  The driving force behind that growing impact, I believe, is the resurrection.  This is by the intentional effort Jesus made to base all of his credibility and promises on this fact that HE would rise from the grave.  His resurrection proved all that he said about who he was and what he did for us.

Easter Sunday is a time when we will have a great number of new faces in the service.  Many will be our guests for the very first time.  They made be attending our habit or seeking to fill a need or void in their lives.  Some will be members coming back because it is expected that they show up on Easter.  We need to do all we can to make them feel welcome and comfortable. I know you will do your part, but let me make a couple of suggestions.

• Park your car as far away from the front doors as possible.  This allows our guests to get the spaces nearest the door.  Try to minimize the number of cars you bring to church.  Our lot is not very big.  Better to make a couple of trips and/or fill up the vehicle so that we have more spaces available.

• Come early and be friendly.  I realize that we are a friendly congregation but it is good to be reminded.  Don't just talk to your friends at church, but circulate around and introduce yourself.  You might just be surprised who the Lord has lead to church.

• Be prepared for worship and to serve.  While we plan as best we can for the service, we cannot anticipate every situation.  Someone might be sick and cannot serve as schedule. We may have more children to care for than expected.  We may even need to set up some chairs in the foyer to make room in the auditorium.  One can never know so we must be flexible and willing to step in where needed.

Finally, I want to touch on the special offering.  Our goal is $20,000.  We have committed half to go directly on the principle of our mortgage.  Our current mortgage balance is $466,205.  With a $10,000 principle payment, we would save significantly in interest and shorten the length of our loan.  This is not just for this year, but as a part of our overall stewardship strategy.  Going forward, we are committing 50% of EVERY EASTER OFFERING to this goal of paying off our debt.

I realize these are tough financial times for everyone.  With the rising prices of gas, healthcare, and even basic necessities, your faithful stewardship each week is greatly appreciated.  However, this offering is an opportunity for God to give through you in an outrageous way over and above your normal giving.  Only what is given in the offering plates on Sunday will go towards this goal.  Online giving will NOT be included.  God is going to do something great this Sunday. Don't be left out!

See You Sunday,

Mike