I hope you were as encouraged as I was last Sunday! Easter 2021 was a special day in the life of our church as we celebrated a “homecoming” moment for many in the ABC family. Last Sunday we saw 1,187 people join us in-person for our worship services, we distributed 3,000 eggs to children in our community, we added seven new members, and baptized five new followers of Jesus Christ. The choir sounded amazing and featured the most voices we’ve had on stage in over a year. The orchestra was packed with talented instrumentalists who provided a beautiful, full sound in our worship center. I want to thank Eddie Cox, Mackenzie Guthrie, Carlos Jordan, and the dozens of volunteers in our music and media ministries for making it all happen. Their hard work and servant leadership behind the scenes made it a special day for all of us.
But while the music was beautiful, perhaps the sweetest sound all day was the “buzz” coming from our Lobby. It was music to my ears to hear the body of Christ congregating, laughing, hugging, and enjoying one other’s company. People were handing out bulletins, drinking coffee, and even eating donuts. I might dare say, it finally “felt” like church. My prayer is that kind of momentum will only continue to build in the coming weeks. God willing, we’ll keep seeing new people walk through our doors, and we’ll see more of our regulars come back home to worship and experience the community that can only come through the body of Christ. As folks continue to walk through our doors, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7 ESV).
So what’s next at ABC? As a diehard Aggie, I don’t like to quote Texas Longhorns very often. However, I have to admit I can resonate with what Coach Sarkisian has been preaching lately on the 40 acres: “it’s going to be all gas, no brakes.” We are likewise moving full steam ahead with lots of exciting things coming up. I hope you’re signed up for our ABC Serves event on April 17th. If you have signed up, you’ll be able to pick up your t-shirt in the Great Hall this Sunday. If you haven’t, I encourage you to sign up quickly as space is filling up. This Sunday we’re also going to celebrate 4 families through our Parent Child Dedication during the 11:11 service. These moms and dads are going to boldly commit to raise their children in Christ-centered homes. After worship, I’ll also be leading our Starting Point membership class to get to know some of our recent guests at ABC. In worship, we’re kicking off a brand-new sermon series on Jesus’ 7 I am statements titled, “Who do you say I am?” I believe we’ll all be challenged and encouraged as we get to know Jesus through His own words.
More great things are on the horizon, but it all begins this Sunday. Easter may be behind us, but this Sunday will be another resurrection celebration. Invite someone to celebrate with you and come expectant to meet with the Lord in this place.
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