Well – well – well – we move on!  Easter is past and we are all thinking  about spring. Let me share a few  thoughts before we head for summer. I  want to thank all those who helped prepare  for the Easter musical. Kathy did a  great job with the choir - Phil spent  countless hours working on the sound.  (Thank you both) It was really a wonderful  evening and not only was the music  uplifting but the fellowship was  even more uplifting. 

Easter Sunday was a special time  because of the baptisms. Most of you  seemed to like that fact that I missed the  bottom step and almost baptized myself.  (I saw you all grinning out there!) You  all know of course that I wear waders  when I baptize people. So, had I gone  down, the waders would have filled up  with water – it would have been difficult  to get out of the baptismal tank.  Which reminds me of a joke: Did you  hear about the Baptist who got together  and purchased their Pastor some rubber  waders so he wouldn’t get wet in  the baptism pool so the Methodist heard  about it and purchased their Pastor  some rubber gloves. Enough of that!!!  I was thrilled that Andy was able to  share in what I believe was the first  time he had baptized anyone. It was a  good thing! – I really believe that there  are great things ahead for Andy and  Laura as they seek the Lords purpose  in their lives. (I like those  two!) 

I really was blessed to hear each  person share their stories about  their relationship to Christ. I  think it is one on the most up lifting  things that can occur in worship.  One time-honored and effective  method of letting people  see Jesus in you is the giving of  your personal testimony. The  skeptic may deny your doctrine or  attack your church, but he cannot  honestly ignore the fact that your  life has been changed. He may  stop his ears to the presentation of  a preacher, but he is somehow  attracted to the human-interest  story of how you - found peace  within. Believe me; the steps that  led to your conversion and the  subsequent ramifications are far  more appealing and appropriate to  the lost than a pulpit exposition of  John 3 or Romans 5. If you have  not discovered the value of telling  others how God rearranged your  life, you’ve missed a vital link in  the chain of His blessing. 

“Let your light so shine before  men, that they may see your good  works, and glorify your Father  which is in heaven”. (Matthew 5:15) 

By the way – did you all notice the “NEW BULLETINS?”  Well get used to them, we ordered enough to last  us through the year. On another note – the offices are being  re-carpeted this week. Stop by the office and see how  things are going…several men who wish not to be mentioned  - donated time and money to re-do the office to give  us more working area. Why not stop by the church – take  the pastor to lunch – and see the new carpet??? 

If you haven’t been coming to Bible study on Wednesday  evening please know that you are invited. We are currently  studying the life of Christ in the Gospel of John. (Chapter  7) It’s a great time to recharge your spiritual batteries midweek.  We have had wonderful attendance (35 -45) people  each night. Come enjoy the Study and the fellowship. 

My prayer as pastor this year is that all of us will – Center  Our Lives in Christ. One Sunday soon you will see  new banners going up in the sanctuary that speak to that  very thing “Centered in Christ the Hope of the World.”  Gerri Leist, Lisa Rolls, and Abby More have been working  on these for some time and they are about ready to become  a part of our worship experience . . . 

Hey, have I told you lately that it’s a joy to be your pastor.  Thanks for putting up with me. I know that you all do  it because you really like and feel sorry for Mary.

  Joyful Blessings,  Tom