Even though I'm surrounded by snow today, I know spring and scenes like the one to the left here are just around the corner. This picture reminds me of a spring ritual my wife Tracy and I had when we had the privilege to live in Belgium. Every spring, we would go for a walk in what the Americans called "The Bluebell Forest". It looked a lot like this when it was in full bloom. It was a way we would say to ourselves and our boys that spring had come.
We are approaching Easter, and the meaning of Easter matters so much for our lives. The event of Jesus Christ being crucified and resurrecting three days later is completely central to our faith. Something we're doing on that day to mark what a significance these events hold is to receive an Easter Offering.
As we prepare for the special day of Easter, I want to point out something.
Jesus BROUGHT himself and Jesus GAVE.
Jesus brought himself to the cross. He chose the cross so we could have life! Jesus gave up everything for us. It was the ultimate gift.
I want to challenge us to model Jesus this Easter. I'm encouraging you to do two things:
- Be a Bringer
- Be a Giver
Bring a person or family that needs Jesus. This is the best time of the year to invite people to church. They are so receptive!
We are also asking you mark Easter by being a giver. I wanted to let you know we will doing a special offering for Easter where we are hoping to raise $30,000 for two important causes. We do this a few times a year! This year the offering is going to go toward funding an internal and an external project:
- The renovation of our Fellowship Hall. It’s a room where there are multiple parties held each year. Many people who have never been to our church before – have this room be their first impression of who we are as a church. We want it to accurately reflect the warm, friendly church that we are. So, with $15,000 from the Easter Offering, we’re going to update everything – the ceilings, the walls, the floors, the windows. You name it, and it’s getting updated!
- Human Trafficking in India. As you will hear Sunday from our special guest, human trafficking is a monumental problem in India, and it affects many young children. Can you imagine that? We want to do something to help and your participation in the Easter Offering will help us give $15,000 towards this cause and the efforts of this great organization – Calcutta Mercy Ministries
SO, start praying about your involvement today! Let's do something amazing for Jesus on Easter by bringing and giving!