Christ is risen! Holy Week is here, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the greatest day in history alongside you. The significance of the resurrection cannot be overstated as Paul explained it best: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV). If Jesus did not receive new life, we cannot receive new life either. But praise be to God that the tomb is empty, our debt is paid, and together we can boldly proclaim, “He is risen indeed!”
I want to invite you to join us for a meaningful weekend of worship. Our 6pm Good Friday service will set our focus on the cross. Dr. Stearns and the worship ministry will do a wonderful job leading us in beautiful music, scripture readings, and we will conclude our service with a brief message and the Lord’s Supper. Childcare is available for 3 and under, but all other kids are encouraged to attend with their parents.
Sunday morning will be a great celebration of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection. We will offer three identical services at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am. Our annual egg hunt will commence immediately following the 11am service. This egg hunt is for all kids 5th grade and under. Keep in mind BFGs will not meet on Easter Sunday, but the nursery and Uplift (preschool worship) will be open during worship services for children ages 5 and under. All older children are encouraged to attend a worship service with their parents on this special day.
I want to encourage you to do a few things to help us make it a great Easter. First, I encourage you to invite! Never underestimate the power of a personal invitation. Many in your community would go to church this Easter if they were simply invited by someone they knew. Second, serve others. Easter is an “all hands-on deck” Sunday. There are many ways to volunteer, so please reach out to a staff member to find a way to serve. Another way you can potentially serve is by coming to the 8am service. Last year our two later services were packed, so we are adding an early service to make room for growth. If you are an early riser, consider attending the 8am service to free up your seat for others in the community at 9:30 or 11am.
Thirdly, I encourage you to pray. Thank God for this holy week that changed the world. Ask for God to use this Easter weekend to impact lives across our city and our world. Pray for God to give me clarity in the preparation and power in the presentation of God’s Word. Pray for all our musicians, media team, and worship leaders who will help us point people to our resurrected Savior.
It’s going to be a great Sunday. Get here early for your service, bring someone with you, and let us all celebrate together that “He is risen indeed!”
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 