Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

I like the cartoon of the pastor greeting worshipers after church, saying to the man next in line, "Good morning, George. I see you've grown a beard since last Easter." Zing! Clergy enjoy zinging people as much as anyone. We studied Guilt in seminary. But while guilt may motivate, it is no substitute for grace.

Many people come to church on Easter Sunday who do not worship other Sundays of the year; we know this well. But how many of us were Easter-only Christians at some point in our lives? How many of us have been through times when we were distant from the church and casual about our faith? At some point we recognized something was missing, that other ways of addressing our emptiness fell far short. Suddenly the church seemed relevant. We may not have admitted it, but our hopes were high for a new connection with God. Rebirth is not too strong a word for how God works in our lives.

I believe many people come to worship on Easter Sunday with high hopes secretly held. It may be their first worship service in a year, but that does not mean they had stopped seeking. For this reason we, the people of the church, are vitally important. Easter is way more than what happens at the front of the sanctuary. Easter is more than the choir's anthem, more than the sermon, more than lilies and well-dressed children. Easter is the genuine joy on the faces of people, people who again rejoice in the news that the Lord is risen, people whose resurrection faith is a daily trust in the Risen One.

I invite you once again to practice the art of hospitality, especially on Easter. Go out of your way to greet at least one person, one family, you do not already know. Your kindness will make a difference. As writer Henri Nouwen puts it, such hospitality can be a means for the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit. What a gift it would be if even one seeker left fear behind and encountered Christ on Easter Sunday.

Blessings on you.

In Memoriam

Ruth Schneider ~ March 12, 2008

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! On Sunday, March 30 we will have a dinner and fabulous entertainment. Experience the beauty and drama of Thai classical art. Rob Collins and Esther Wakeman will bring a troupe to perform Thai Folk Drama and Traditional Dance. The Dinner at 5:30 p.m. is only $9.00 per person. Call 687-0754 for reservations. The FREE program begins at 6:30. Join us in the Christian Fellowship Center.

“HEARING GOD’S CALL FOR A HEALTHY HEART” is the topic for the Presbyterian Women’s dinner tomorrow night. Sharon Troll, our Parish Nurse, will be sharing the latest information from the American Heart Association and the Nurses Health Study. Join us at 5:30 p.m. in the Christian Fellowship Center. Dinner: $9.00, sign up on the Patio TODAY for reservation. Come have fun, learn and take home a red dress!

JANE HOLSLAG REPORTS a busy time unpacking her belongings in Berlin, Germany, and working on the final phase of her Ph.D. She will return to Lithuania in the summer to teach at LCC International University and to witness to our Lord. As 2007 came to a close she traveled for our World Mission division and visited her father in Colorado .

WANTED: BRAVE MEN! 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Every Tuesday morning in Anderson Lounge join us for the Men’s Bible Breakfast. Feast on the Word of God, coffee and sweet rolls. Great fellowship and discussion.

THE PRAYER CHAIN is available to pray for your needs. In the Narthex and Fireside Lounge are Prayer Boxes provided by the Congregational Care Ministry. Please fill out a request form and leave it in the box, email Chuck at: ccurtis@fpcsb.org or call 687-0754, x 102. All prayer requests are kept confidential .

COMING EVENTS

EASTER SUNDAY FAMILY WORSHIP

        Sunday, March 23                          8:30, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

        He lives! Celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with the family of God.

        Welcome to our friends, families and guests who are here today!

Presbycamp Spring Break

        March 24 - 28                                 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

        Call Susan Croshaw for information 687-0754 ext. 115

Spring Life Groups begin

        March 24 -      groups begin this week, run for six weeks

        See insert for schedule, days and times vary by group

        Sign up on the patio or call Don Bennett at 569-2728

Senior Activity Program

        Friday, March 28                            10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

        Friday at the Movies: “Fiddler on the Roof” with Zero Mostel.

        Join us at 10 a.m. in the Garden Room. Lunch: $5.00

High School Mission Trip

        Friday, March 28 – Saturday, April 5

        We’re going to Mexico. Please keep us in your prayers.

        Need info? Want to donate funds? Call Sheri: 680-5609

Thai Dance and Drama Evening

        Sunday, March 30                        5:30 p.m. Dinner

                                                             6:30 p.m. Program

        Performers from Chang Mai, Thailand. Program is FREE

        Dinner: $9 per person, call for reservation (687-0754) by March 26.

Spring Inquirer’s Class Luncheon

        Sunday, May 4                             12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

        For those interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church

        and the Christian Faith, and those interested in membership

        Call Juleine at the church 687-0754 x 110 to sign up.