April 2021

APRIL AND NEW HOPE
Here we are in April. It has been just a little over a year now since Covid-19 entered into our language. As I write this, Diane and I want you to know that we are well and are so appreciative of your prayers for our safety and health. Likewise, I want to thank you for praying for all of our staff. God has kept us safe. Even when Pastor Jody and Tricia experienced Covid, they came through it with little after-effects. During this first week of April, we will celebrate Easter and the rebirth of hope for the human race. When God created men and women as the crown of his creation, there was perfect health and hope for the future. But then came sin, and from that point on, all of creation was infected with a virus that separates us from the glory of God (Rom 3:23). So severe is that virus of sin that it is terminal unless we avail ourselves of the remedy of the cross and empty tomb (Rom 6:23). It is “by his wounds that we are healed” (Isa 53:5). Because of His triumph over death, Jesus can say to us, “Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As we come to April and a new Easter, I want to let you know that we will return to Sunday worship on Easter morning. Last month I had said that we would still be worshipping on Saturday. But after much prayer and conversations with many of our church family, we have determined that it is time to get back to some “normalcy.” We are still limited to the number of people who can be in attendance and need to wear our masks. But on Sunday morning, April 4, we will sing together, “Christ the Lord is risen today; Hallelujah.” As new hope is emerging from this terrible year of Covid-19 avoidance, let us be glad that He has said to us and continues to say to us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Let us in return cry out to our Lord, “Here am I! Be it unto me according to your will. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on the plot of earth where I stand, as it is in heaven.” Amen.
Pastor Mike