Easter: A New Creation
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” — 2 Cor. 5:17 (NRSV)
This Easter we will celebrate that in Jesus Christ and his Resurrection, God is making us ALL into A New Creation! With joy we will harvest the fruit of our "Cultivating & Letting Go" Lenten disciplines that God is using to prepare us for this celebration.
First fruits to celebrate include:
Baptismal candidates and their sponsors, preparing to receive new life in Christ's church during our celebration of the Resurrection!
Property improvements and beautification underway (For example, see the progress on the old Builders classroom, and roller skating facilities.)
Worship Leader Nate Burch Jr. joining our leadership team on Sunday, April 28, for a season of cultivating freedom and transformation in worship.
OUR CHURCH–new attendees and members in worship on Sundays and Wednesdays, and individually as we experience the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.
As we anticipate the new creation in our hearts and lives, let us continue to cultivate joy and let go of sin this Lenten season.
It is a joy to serve in God's Garden with you!
–Pastor Matt
WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
SUNDAYS: Small Groups 9am; Worship 10am
WEDNESDAYS: Meal 5:30pm; Adult Small Group, Kids for Christ & Youth Ministries 6pm
5TH SUNDAY IN LENT - April 1
John 12:1-8 (Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with precious oil)
Isaiah 43:16-21 (“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” v. 19)
PALM/PASSION SUNDAY - April 14
Luke 19:28-40 (Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem)
HOLY WEEK - April 14-20 (service times to be announced)
Luke 22: 39-46 (Jesus prays at the Mount of Olives)
Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” v. 1)
EASTER SUNDAY - April 21
John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12 (Jesus' Resurrection)
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER - April 28
John 20:19-31
"A New Creation" Theme Description, from A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org):
As a continuation of our Lenten Theme, Cultivating & Letting Go, A New Creation recognizes that Christ’s death and resurrection create a new way of knowing, seeing, loving, and living. In John’s account of the resurrection, we find Mary weeping in the garden when she comes face to face with Jesus. As soon as she recognizes him, Jesus invites her to let go: “Do not hold on to me.” The world as she knew it has passed away; she can’t turn back. Death has surely come. And yet, Jesus calls her by name, nudging her into a brand new reality. Even if she can’t yet see it, Mary is transformed. Her grief catalyzes into joyful witness.
In turn, we enter the season of Easter harvesting the fruit that comes when we cultivate & let go. Let us bear the fruit of living with the promise that death is not the final word.
