Looking back to last Sunday, it was such a privilege to have my friend, Dr. Sasan Tavassoli as our guest preacher. His words to us about God’s work in Iran challenged many of us. If you missed his message, click here to hear it. What a gift to get to hear first-hand how God is at work in the world.
This Sunday, we continue in our sermon seriesFaces at the Cross and turn our attention to Pilate. Mark will be preaching “Back and Forth”, looking at Pilates’ interactions with Jesus and the crowds who wanted to sentence Jesus to the cross. Pilate served as the Roman governor of Jerusalem for 10 years and definitely had a strained relationship with his Jewish subjects. He didn’t exactly love his job or his political assignment. But, when they approached him to convict Jesus – he didn’t want to do it. He knew Jesus was innocent.
Sunday will also be a day to celebrate the next generation. We will baptize one of our GRACE little ones, celebrate the birth of the newest GRACE addition, and be led by our children’s choirs. In both services, we will also hear from a few of our leaders who are investing in our kids and students and leading them to find and follow Jesus. We are hoping to identify new leaders as the number of GRACE kids and students continues to grow. Please pray about your own investment in the Next Generation – and click here to learn more.
Finally, Easter Sunday is April 21. On Easter, we will host hundreds of guests. I can’t wait for them to get the GRACE Experience. Because of our strong attendance last year, we will have 3 services this year. At 8 and 9:15 am, we will have our CLASSIC services. At both services, the choir and the brass will lead our music. At 10:30, we will host our MODERN service, with our gifted modern worship band leading our music. As has been our tradition, there will be a special Easter gift for each person who attends. Parking will be in demand, so we will have satellite parking at Memorial Pool/ Municipal Ice Skating Rink Parking Lot (off Illick’s Mill Road) with door to door shuttles to BECA. Click here for more information about Easter.
I want to challenge you to invite at least one person to GRACE for Easter. Most people come to church by personal invitation. And you are so good at welcoming and inviting! Beginning next week, we will have cards for you to pass out as invitations.
I can’t wait to shake your hand on Sunday!
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor