e-news for week of 3/9/08 - 3/15/08

I’m really looking forward to this whole week for a lot of reasons. I love thinking about Jesus Christ – his death that marks a point in time where God says with hammer and nail, “I love you so very much!!!” I love experiencing a heightened sense of connection to God through worship and in the word.

I’m looking forward to this Sunday in that the adult worship choir will lead out for Palm Sunday in 2nd and 3rd services. The big picture is that Christ came into this world and the world has never been the same. Christ redefined this world. Christ redefines our lives. Due to this life change – you’ve got a story to tell. I love hearing stories of how lives change for the better. You’ll hear excellent stories of life change this Sunday.

We’ve got some great events this week for you, your friends, and your family, here’s the overview for the week:

Good Friday, March 21, we’ll center in on the power of the cross. We’ll worship together at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. It will be an evening of worship and will hopefully give you a face to face type of encounter with Jesus.

There will be a family event on Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 to 11:30. This is open to all children 5th grade and younger with their families. It will be a time of worship, drama, hunting Easter eggs, games, crafts, and a lot of family fun. The theme for this year is “Child of the King” so come dressed in your royal best – girls come as a princess, boys come as a mighty warrior or prince. This would be another great event to invite other families to attend. A donation of $5 per family would be appreciated.

Then on Easter we’ll celebrate Christ’s triumph in all three morning services. We’ll create an e-mail invitation for you to send out to friends to invite them. We’ll also create some on paper for those of you who would like to invite friends or family.

Let’s make this a very intentional Easter season. Focus on Christ. You can’t do anything better for your life and your family than staying intensely connected to Jesus. I’m looking forward to a great Easter season with you.

Scott

PS: Let me give you a quick daily thought for this next week to think about as you ready yourself spiritually for Easter:

Sunday – think about a crowd that cheered Christ in one moment that would turn on a dime and later that week cry out, “Crucify.” Ask yourself if you turn on God as quickly and pray for faithful pursuit.

Monday – think about the outpouring of love and sacrifice by the woman in John 12 and how she loved Christ enough to pour out what equated one year’s wages. Ask yourself if you love Christ that much? (for the record – this event preceded Sundays event)

Tuesday – Think about Christ as the servant in John 13 as he washes the disciples’ feet. What would it feel like to have the Son of God touch your filthy feet? Think about the reality that he touches your sinful soul and serves you daily.

Wednesday – Think about the great promise that Christ prepared the way and mansions for us as he tells the disciples this reality as they celebrate the Passover together. Thank Christ that he is the way, the truth, and the life.

Thursday – Think about Christ as the vine and how we must remain in him. Realize Christ did not call you to bear fruit – he tells us to remain in him and we will bear much fruit. Ask yourself if you abide in him.

Friday – Think about the cross of Christ. The utter horror he endured, the sin he bore, the pain he suffered, and the alienation from the very people he came to save had to overwhelm him. Realize he did this for you.