It had been about thirty years since the resurrection of Jesus Christ when the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. The early Christians had been discovering the Jesus-life throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. And what they were discovering was that the Jesus-life works. It works for everyone. This was a remarkable claim because these areas were saturated with many religions – not unlike our world today. And, adding Christianity to the mix was a challenge, yet they were discovering that the Jesus-life works for everyone.
We always think we’re the exception. I heard recently that half the prescriptions given by physicians are never taken – we think we’re the exception. We don’t really need that medicine. It is also interesting to note that of the prescriptions that are filled, about half are not taken as they are prescribed. We are the exception!
What are the odds that the Jesus-life is for everyone? What are the odds that this Jesus-life is for you? Certainly, not everyone embraces it; but this Jesus-life is for everyone. We read in Philippians 2:10-11, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Since Jesus was raised from death to life, he offers us life in him. Now by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus desires to live in us – to take up residence in us. It is an amazing thing to consider, but the One who created everything that exists wants to live in you. As Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, he tells them in John 14:18-19, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” Friends, the Spirit of Jesus desires to transform our lives. Will you respond to His gracious gift of life? Will you celebrate the Jesus-life?
Easter Lilies
There is still time to order an Easter Lily in memory of or in honor of someone. Orders need to be made by Saturday (April 3rd). If you are interested, please e-mail Pastor Glen at (drglenholman@gmail.com). The cost is $10 per lily.
Sunríse Worship Service
Our congregation will host a Resurrection Day Sonrise worship service at 6:30 a.m. on April 4th under the Revival Tent at Constitution Park.
Our regular Resurrection Day Service will be at 9:30 a.m. at our facility! Please also invite neighbors and friends to these exciting worship services!!
Easter Day Worship
Pastor Glen will continue his series on The Chosen this Sunday. His sermon will be, “From Death to Life,” based on John 2:1-11. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
We will also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
We will expect individuals and families to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. We want to be respectful of our brothers and sisters. You will need to bring and wear protective masks while entering and moving about the building. We will not pass an offering plate (an offering plate will be available for your tithes and offerings). Online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Children are welcome but families must sit together.
Nursery
We are pleased to offer a nursery for children through pre-school. The nursery is in the Sunday school area, and there is a check-in area at the door of the nursery.
Outreach Opportunity
We express our sincere gratitude to those of you who provided cookies and wrote notes to give thanks for the service of our Waynesboro Police Department. The following was posted on their Facebook page:
“The Waynesboro Police Department would like to thank Hope Community Church for providing all of our officers and staff with batches of delicious individually wrapped cookies, accompanied by a personalized card. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness, support, and generosity. Stay safe!”
Extra Giving
At our congregational gathering last month, we learned that leasing our building would provide a $40,000 shortfall. We encouraged everyone to pray for our congregation and to increase their giving above and beyond your normal tithe or offering.
Worship CDs
My Offering is a CD with beautiful piano hymns. This CD is available Sunday mornings and can be yours for a contribution to our building fund. We are grateful to Loretta Watkins for recording this music and making these CDs available.
Shenandoah Tent Revival
The tent revival at Waynesboro Constitution Park has been a tremendous success. Services continue every evening through April 4th (Easter)! The revival is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. each evening. You can also watch live on Facebook. Please come and invite a friend . . . and PLEASE PRAY for God to show up in mighty ways!!
Our New Address
Please send any snail-mail correspondence to our new address: 2910 West Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980. We no longer have a Post Office Box.
Work Day
Please mark April 10th on your calendar as an outdoor church workday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at Noon! More information to come!
April Birthdays
Steve Ray (4/1); Shirley Wright (4/9); Chris Severs (4/9); Wink Brown (4/12); Katherine Galloway (4/12); Sarah Todd Severs (4/15); Wayne Mahanes (4/19); Roger Graham (4/20)