Yesterday’s Palm Sunday worship was truly monumental in a variety of ways. The children paraded in with palm branches to be laid at the foot of the cross. Truly my spirit was warmed and uplifted as three young men came forward to make their confessions of faith. Nick Otis, Travis Hendricks, and Tyler Hendricks took a giant step as they began their walk with Christ. I reminded them in a private session that their walk with Christ is like an infant learning how to walk.

There will be times when they may stumble. There will be times when they may need a helping hand or an encouraging word. That’s where all of you as a part of the Christian community at First Christian come into play. You may lend that helping hand. You may offer that encouraging word. Our celebration did not end there. John and Star Ralbovsky came forward to transfer their membership to First Christian. And they were joined by Gail Rudd who came forward to rededicate her life. Extend a warm welcome to each of these new members.

We will conclude our celebration next Sunday with the baptism of Nick, Travis, and Tyler. And we will add to that the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection. In the meantime, join us on Thursday evening as we gather at 7:00 p.m. to recall and be a part of that special feast of remembrance that Jesus has given to us. Next Sunday you will not want to miss our Sonrise Worship at 8 a.m. We hope that we can be outdoors, weather permitting. An Easter Egg hunt will follow. Then we will assemble in our church sanctuary for our joyful resurrection worship. We have a busy week ahead yet it is a week worth your full participation.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik

Today, some of you may have had the opportunity to lend assistance or even to get your lunch at One Market and Eatery. Yesterday many of you had the chance to hear the Reverend Dave Wess share about this new ministry and outreach in downtown Middletown.

One Market and Eatery will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can pick up a great sandwich or a salad and have the chance to visit with the other diners. The cost is whatever you can pay and hopefully, you will be able to pay more so that someone else who has no resources can have a meal.

There will also be opportunities to help with clean-up, food preparation, and the like. Consider taking your lunch time at One Market and Eatery when you have the chance. It is located at 1316 Vail Avenue just north of Central Avenue. You will be glad that you did.

Your worship team is busy preparing for Holy Week activities. This coming Sunday, we will have a parade of Palms. The following Thursday, join us at 7 p.m. for Maundy Thursday worship and a remembrance of that last supper that Jesus had with his disciples.

On Easter Sunday morning, we will gather outside (weather permitting) for our Easter Sonrise Worship at 8 a.m. Please note the time change. This will be followed by a breakfast in our Fellowship Hall followed by an Easter Egg Hunt and then joyful Easter Worship at 10:30 a.m.

It was so good to be back in the saddle again and be with you. As I might have said yesterday, most of my work will continue at home since maneuvering in and out of the car becomes difficult. We had a good meeting of the Board following worship. Thanks to all who get their reports in and share them via email with other members of the Board. This was my last Board meeting with you and I only need to complete an annual report as I wind down my ministry with you.

This leads me to stress that annual reports are due in the office by the first of June. This year the plans are to print a very limited number of copies and the annual report will be submitted electronically via email to help save on paper costs.

Summer church camp season will soon be here. To qualify for the early bird rate and receive half off your tuition rate, camp registration forms need to be turned in by April 23rd so that we can get them to the Regional Office prior to May 1. After May 1st, you will be responsible for the difference between the half off cost and the full registration fee.

Please be in prayer for our Regional Office and the sudden resignation of Dr. William H. Edwards.

Holy Week begins April 9th with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday Worship, Easter Sonrise at 7 a.m. and our joyful Easter worship at 10:30. As a part of our Easter Worship, a baptismal service is being planned. Let us look forward to these special times as we seek to be captured by God’s Empowering vision.

Join us in worship as we welcome the Reverend Dave Wess who will be sharing an opportunity for ministry called “One Market and Eatery” in downtown Middletown.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik