Dear First Pres,

   So, we’re now in day 9 of the Lenten season. Many of us have taken on a new spiritual discipline or have been intentionally abstaining from something (fasting) to help us lean in to the Lord in this special season of the year. My question for you is this: how’s it going?

   One important thing to remember in a season like this is that there’s no use in trying to impress God and there’s no good in trying to impress each other. That means if you slip a bit from your original intentions, simply start fresh again. It’s not a contest to prove your spiritual maturity. It’s about drawing near to the Lord and listening for His leadership in your lives. The only way we draw near to God is by His grace shown to us ultimately in Christ Jesus. Don’t be discouraged when you fall out of your Lenten intentions. Bring that before the Lord, confess your need for Him and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. It’s also a good idea to have a few other people (like your Growth Group) know what it is you are doing (or not doing) for Lent, as they can be a healthy encouragement along the way.

   Another thing I’d love for you to begin to prayerfully consider is this: who will you be inviting to our Easter celebration? Easter is coming April 17. It’ll be here before you know it. Who are the friends, family, neighbors or coworkers who would benefit from hearing the Good News of Jesus’ victory over sin and death? Who has the Lord put into your sphere of influence who doesn’t know Jesus or isn’t connected with a local church.

   One of my favorite quotes from Super Sunday (February 6) was when Melanie Franz said, “Well I’m going to invite you to my church because it is anything but boring.” It’s true, we’re not boring. And we have an amazing congregation of people seeking to grow in the grace of Jesus. It’s always my privilege to introduce new people to you, my church family. But the main thing that we have to offer – the main thing that our friends need – is Jesus, the living conqueror of sin and death. There’s no one like Jesus and there is nothing as good as the Gospel. That’s why the apostle Paul affirms what Isaiah said centuries before him: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15 & Isaiah 52:7).

   Would you please join me in asking the Lord to show you the people He would have you invite to our Easter celebration? How they respond is in His hands. Ask the Lord, then, to help you be obedient to inviting the dear ones He puts on your heart.

   As you consider that, let me be the first (I think) to tell you that we will be maintaining our normal schedule on Easter Sunday (April 17). We’ll have our Classic Service at 9:00am and our Modern Service at 10:45am. Each of these services will have a hint of the other while still maintaining their distinct musical style. You can also expect some tangible forms of hospitality (welcome, food and beverage) after each service. So I encourage you to factor that into your planning. Of course, we’ll need some extra hands to make that all possible. So, be on the lookout for Easter Sunday service opportunities in the coming weeks.

   Finally, if you’re like me your gut wrenches and your anger burns as you hear and watch the news of devastation and death in Ukraine. Let us continue to seek the Lord for His peace on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Blessings, 

Pastor Jeremy