A Letter from Pastor Mark - April



Dear Friends,
As I am writing this letter, it is the Monday morning after Easter Sunday.  It was a wonderful day of worship and celebration.  Christ is risen and we celebrated that reality with abandon. 
Unfortunately, when the balanced calendar spring break (which is two weeks instead of the   traditional one) encompasses Easter, many people from the church and the community are absent due to travels.  However, in spite of that fact, I noticed something very interesting this Easter.  With the large number of people who were traveling, the 10 and 11:15 services were full.  I saw many people who were guests from the community.  In addition to that, there was a wonderful atmosphere of spiritual seeking and openness.  After services I heard many stories of how people had been moved to tears and that the worship had touched them deeply.  As I delivered the morning message, I sensed an extreme openness to how the message of the risen Christ can change and transform lives.
I’m not sure why we are experiencing what I consider to be an increased curiosity concerning Jesus and his life-changing love and grace.  I can guess that the uncertainty of life that surrounds us on a daily basis has something to do with it.  In our country, people are concerned, dismayed, worried and bewildered concerning many issues such as economics, employment or the lack thereof, public unrest and political chaos. On the national and world stage people are frightened and concerned daily about the reality of terrorism.  Recent events in Brussels, Belgium, highlight such fear.  Many people wonder when and where the next attack will take place.

All of this has caused people to be open to and searching for answers spiritually.  This strikes me as a great opportunity.  We have talked a lot about each of us taking the responsibility of connecting with people who do not have a relationship with Jesus so that we can nurture and disciple them into the faith. I have come to the conclusion that if we are willing to do that, there are many people who will respond favorably.  I believe there are many people who are ready if someone will reach out to them and be willing to develop a relationship. 
Recently I heard the statistic that over 70 percent of unchurched people would be willing to come to church if someone would invite them.  If that many people are that open to receive an invitation to go, to church I believe that many people would be open to a relationship that could help to guide and disciple them into the faith.  How about it?  Are we open to taking advantage of this opportunity? 

It really is up to us.
In Christ’s Abundant Love,
Pastor Mark




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