Jesus Christ - our living hope!

In you are a follower of Jesus, Resurrection Sunday - aka Easter - is the biggest day of the year. If you are a church, more than likely your attendance will be much larger on Resurrection Sunday. And if you are a minister/pastor, it simply doesn't get any busier or bigger than Resurrection Sunday. And it all boils down to this truth that was proclaimed in song during both services yesterday: Jesus Christ is our LIVING HOPE! Jesus Christ is ALIVE!

Huge thanks to both Ruth Davidson and Samuel Green for planning our Resurrection Sunday services at FCC - what a blessed day! Thanks to everyone that played a part in either the 8:15am or 10:45am services, or helped make our building - and especially our sanctuary - so beautiful. Bottom line? It's ALL about Jesus! Amen!

This week leads us on the journey toward the month of May and eventually summer and several important events or opportunities are unfolding in the weeks ahead:

** Don't forget to give (if you choose) to LGCC for our Easter offering this year - the 2020 Dining Hall project is well underway and is worthy of our generous gifts! Marla, Sadie and I were able to take an Easter afternoon hike around the camp and we were able to see up close all the progress - Kevin Peterson and his team are doing a great job! Let's bless the camp this Easter season!

** The final Ladies Night Out is this Thursday night at 6:30pm. Thanks to all that have made this gathering such a blessing - ladies - please make the most of this final LNO!

** FREE, FUN Family night at FCC - this Sunday evening at 5:30pm featuring the magic of Matt Adams - master illusionist and sold-out follower of Jesus. No tickets are needed. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to join you at FCC!

** Young at Heart - Friday May 3 at 10:30am in the Family Life Center.

** Mother/Daughter Luncheon at FCC - Saturday May 4 at 11am - get your tickets! Our own Becky Glenn will be speaking!

** COPE day at FCC - make sure you are at FCC on Sunday May 5 for either morning worship service at 8:15 and 10:45 and the Bible school hour at 9:30 - you will hear about all that God is doing in Africa through the ministry of COPE! Don MacIsaac will share his first hand experience - you won't want to miss it!

** End of the year Choir Cantata - 8:15am service on Sunday May 12 - come support our choir and Ruth!

** Graduation Sunday - May 19 - see Ben Pertl for more info.

** ONE service Sunday - Sunday May 26 at 9:30am.

In addition, remember the following:

1. FCC will pay a 50% scholarship for your children or grandchildren to attend one session of camp at Little Galilee this summer - don't miss this great chance for your most precious ones to experience camp!

2. ROOTED will be back in September - will you begin opening your schedule now in order to be a part of this 10 week Discipleship experience?

3. Most Wednesday evenings, I am w/ Wayne Kent on AM 1340 WSOY as part of the Direct Line radio program - check us out and even call in as we consider the world we live in through the lens of faith.

Finally this morning - this Thursday evening is a big night for our County, as the County Board will be considering and voting on the proposed wind farm. This is an emotional issue and many of you reading this blog have very strong opinions - one way or another. And that is good - we will in a land where we are allowed to voice our opinions freely and elect representatives without the fear of repression or penalty.  I'm so thankful for the freedom we enjoy!

That said, can I humbly remind you that if you are follower of Jesus, you need to behave like one ALL the time. Even when considering the wind farm proposal. Even when you disagree with an elected official. All. The. Time.

Three thoughts:

First - the men and women that serve on the County Board are GOOD people - they are our people - they are NOT the enemy, even if you disagree with them on this issue. I have heard very disappointing reports of how our board members have been treated by men and women that claim to be followers of Jesus. Can we as a church rise above?

Second - if you are a Christ Follower, you are called to be the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. All the time. Especially on Social Media. Especially when you disagree with someone. Our world is watching. Our county is watching. Can we as a church rise above?

Third - Friday morning, no matter how the vote goes on Thursday night - Jesus Christ will absolutely still be Savior and Lord. IF you are a Christ Follower, don't forget this or lose sight of this truth. Remember how the old song goes - "this world is not my home, I'm just passing through."

That is my heart - may it be your heart as well.

Blessings to each of you.

GT