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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You have probably heard the saying, “There are only two things you can be sure of – death and taxes. Actually that isn't quite true. There are more things we can be sure of -like the changing of the seasons. And, yes, this winter has gone on far too long, but we know eventually spring will arrive. Soon the days will be warmer, the snow will stop flying, the birds will begin singing, the flowers will start budding, and the crops will get planted. It's just that when we have to wait for something ( like the arrival of spring) longer than we had planned, we can get discouraged and even say things like, “I don't think spring will ever come.” Well, sometimes, we also feel that way when we have to wait on God. When God calls us to wait for an answer to prayer, we can get discouraged. We might even say things like, “I don't think God is ever going to answer me.” God understands our tendency to become impatient and discouraged when we are called to wait, so God offers Words of hope and encouragement, beautiful Words like- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25) This month we celebrate Easter. When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples thought it was all over. They had waited three years for their Lord to turn things around - to free the oppressed and save the lost. And now, all was lost, or so they thought. The disciples lost hope. It happens to all of us sometimes, and that is why we need to always remember the Good News of Easter morning – sorrow turned to joy, despair turned to hope, death turned to life everlasting. Always remember : 1) For which reason, because we have righteousness through faith, let us be at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Through whom, in the same way, we have been able by faith to come to this grace in which we now are; and let us have joy in hope of the glory of God. 3) And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; 4) And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: 5) And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us. (Romans 5:1-5) Have a Blessed Easter, Pastor Karen
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Although every Sunday is a day to celebrate as we come together to worship our Lord and Savior, the four Sundays in April have added reasons to celebrate. On the first Sunday in April, April 7th, the High School Youth Group, under the leadership of youth leader volunteer, Tim White, will be leading our worship service. The Gospel Lesson for that Sunday is about Doubting Thomas. The youth will share a drama with us titled The Faith Zone. The following Sunday, the 14th, is Confirmation Sunday. Four youth will be confirmed and join our congregation. Prior to being confirmed, the youth will share their faith statements with the congregation. On the third Sunday, April 21st, we will learn more (via video) about a United Methodist missionary, Larry Kies, serving in Africa. Some of you may have met Larry if you were able to come to our last All Church Birthday Party. Larry was our guest speaker at that event. Our third Sunday offering will go to support Larry's missionary work. April 28th has been designated as Camping Sunday. It is the Sunday we recognize campers and it is a time to get people thinking about camp. And we can't forget about the special event on the 28th held before the worship service. Sunday morning from 8-10am the men of our church will serve a pancake breakfast in Fellowship Hall. The free will offering will be used to help eliminate malaria. I pray you will join us for worship and breakfast during the month of April. We are the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:14 & 27 we read, “For the body does not consist of one member, but many. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” We need each and every one of you. You are all important to the life of the church. “You are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong to God's household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19b And All God's Children Said, “Amen” Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Hallelujah! Winter is over and Spring has officially begun. Although when we look outside and see the green grass and budding trees we are reminded that Spring came early this year. Actually , Summer came early, too, at least for a few days. Records that had been in place at least 90 years were broken by our extended 80 degrees weather in March. Des Moines’ high temperature reached into the 80s for five consecutive days, and the National Weather Service said it’s the first time that has ever happened in March – in fact, it had never happened for four days in a row before this year. And while it is true there have been a time or two in the past when the snow has reappeared in April, even if that happens, it usually does not stay around too long. Spring is definitely here! We can look forward to all that Spring brings. In fact, as Christians, all of us can look forward to what is to come this month, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter is on April 8. Like our unexpected spring/summer like weather in winter, Jesus’ resurrection was unexpected. Even though Jesus told his disciples he would rise again, they did not understand. They were lost and devastated at the time of Jesus’ death. They thought Jesus’ death was the end, the end of Jesus and the end of their hope in a Savior who would save the world. But they were wrong. In fact, the best was yet to come! Jesus triumphed over death and today we worship a Risen Savior! Thanks be to God! Yes, we can all look forward to what is to come! The seasons change, but the promises of God do not. We have the promise of Jesus’ daily presence to comfort and to guide and the promise of eternal life. 1 Peter 1: 3-5 tells us, “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven.” The Good News is: “We serve a Risen Savior, and He is in the world today!” Have a Blessed Easter! Pastor Karen |
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