The great affirmation of the Church through the centuries has been an affirmation reserved not just for Easter Day but to every time the people of God gather in worship. The great affirmation is this: “Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!” Friends, if the resurrection didn’t happen, your faith is futile.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” The reality is, if Christ did not rise from the dead, you and I are just “playing church.” We are just reminiscing over some ancient religious mythology, only relevant in that perhaps we could learn from the example of that dead, first-century martyr how to be more loving and caring as people. So, is your faith futile?
Friends, Jesus was either a lunatic who thought He was God and wasn’t, or he was a fraud who knew He wasn’t, but claimed to be. And that is not the kind of ethical teacher I am prepared to follow. What about you? May your faith be rooted in the fact that Christ is risen!
EASTER DAY
We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ THIS Sunday . . . but we actually celebrate that truth each Sunday we gather for worship!! Each Sunday is Resurrection Day! Pastor Glen’s sermon on this Easter Day is, “An Amazing Rescue,” based upon 1 Corinthians 15:51-58. Please read this text in preparation for worship. And, pray about bringing a friend, neighbor, colleague to worship with you!
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be continuing a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 17: Things That Really Matter – Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Thankfulness, and Preparedness! Please bring your Bible!!
Hope Navigators
Combined Holy Week Services
We will be joining with three other churches for combined Holy Week services. The following is the order of services:
Wednesday, April 5th. Hope Community Church Preacher: Rev. Dr. Warne Dawkins
Maundy Thursday. Shiloh Baptist Church. Preacher: Pastor Glen
Good Friday. Pleasant View Methodist. Preacher: Rev. Dr. Earl Pendleton
Easter Sunrise Union Baptist Church. Preacher: Rev. Eric Strother
The services during the week begin with Prayer & Praise at 7:00 p.m. And, the worship service begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Easter Sunrise service begins at 6:00 a.m.
We would like to have a wonderful representation from Hope attending these services! We hope you will plan to attend!
Our Easter Service will be at the normal time of 10:30 a.m. in our sanctuary!!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Men’s Ministry Meeting
The men’s ministry group will meet next Wednesday (April 12th) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Please plan to attend!
Golden Oldies Group
If you are interested in starting a “Golden Oldies” group, please see Harold Coiner. The only requirement is that you are 75. If you are 75 and your spouse is younger, the spouse is also eligible. All gatherings will be random (Dutch treat). We will learn about each family and also have fun in the process. We can take in lunch or dinner at various restaurants, farmer’s markets, local concerts/shows, and even Bingo!! There is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Center table!
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at NOON!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointment, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Hope Blessings Donations for Love INC. We are collecting donations every three months. From April 1 to June 30 we are collecting personal hygiene items: toothpaste, tooth brushes (single packs), shampoo, soap, deodorant (male and female), brushes, combs, and small wash cloths. May we be a blessing to those families in need. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
Gospel Hill Ministries will be hosting a Tent Meeting in Waynesboro from April 30th to May 6th. The tent will be set up on April 29th for Riverfest at Constitution Park South in Waynesboro! Plan to attend these exciting night of worship and ministry!
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
April Birthdays
Chris Severs (4/9); Wink Brown & Katherine Galloway (4/12); Sarah Todd Severs (4/15); Wayne Mahanes (4/19); Roger Graham (4/20)