Bill’s Bestowals:
“Living the Life of Heaven”
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'”
(John 11:25-26)
Question: when do you expect to hear these words: “Happy Easter!?”
I’m going to make a guess that your answer is some version of “Once a year, on the day called ‘Easter!’” Am I close?!
Once upon a time, that is probably how I would have answered the question, too. But that would have been before I met John Bissman. John was the Youth Minister at a church I served, and whereas I would always greet John with a “Hi,” “Howdy,” or “What’s up(?),” his greeting to me (and everyone else) was always an enormous smile, and an even bigger “Happy Easter!”
It didn’t take me long to ask his rationale. He explained that we Christians are a “resurrection people” – that is, we live our lives based on the reality of the resurrection – and so, for us, every day is a new Easter; a new day to live, celebrate, and share the grace God so freely gave to us through Jesus.
Years later, I found this quote that helps confirm John’s thoughts:
“Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project,
not to snatch people away from earth to heaven,
but to colonize earth with the life of heaven … our task in the present …
is to live as resurrection people in between Easter and the final day.”
(N. T. Wright, “Surprised by Hope”)
So, today – and every day – Happy Easter!!! Let’s live as resurrection people daily!
Blessings! Pastor Bill
PS: Our Easter Cross was truly glorious this year! Thank you, Annette Hays and your teen class!
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April, 2024 Calendar:
Sunday: Fellowship Hour at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Worship at 11 a.m.
Wednesday: GriefShare at 1 p.m. (in church parlor)
LIFT (Living in Faith & Trust) at 5 p.m.
March 2: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting – 10 a.m.
April 3: Fellowship Meeting – 3 p.m.
April 8: Solar Eclipse.* Local totality will be from 1:47-1:51 p.m.
April 9: Building & Grounds Meeting – 10 a.m.
April 9: Membership & Evangelism Meeting – 6 p.m.
April 16: Christian Ed. Meeting – 10:30 a.m.
April 16: Mission Meeting – 5 p.m.
April 17: Session Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
April 18-21: The Arkansas Presbyterian Pilgrimage** at Ferncliff.
April 20: PW Meeting – 10 a.m.
April 20: Great American Clean Up*** – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 21: Fellowship Meal following Worship
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
2 – Mary Dixon 7 – Bill Stiefer
2 – Mary Dixon & Tommy Myers 8 – Marilynn Schroyer
2 – Kayla Pullen 10 – Robby Burt Sr.
4 – Lilly Loyd 19 – Robby Burt Jr.
5 – April Burt 21 – Desmond Edwards
SERVING THIS MONTH:
Ushers: Bill & Annette Hays
Communion Preparers: Susan Seitz
Communion Servers: Garrett Lundberg, Chuck Schroyer
Wes Stiefer, Judy Thompson & Dora Venable
SPECIAL COLLECTION SUNDAYS:
April 7: Personal Care Collection
April 28: Goodland Academy
*The long awaited SOLAR ECLIPSE is just a week away! Since there will be so many “rag dolls” entering our humble town (if you don’t know what that means, check out our Easter Sunday worship online), our elders discussed what we might do to be a “light in the darkness” to them (and that is literal on that day!) We decided to gather at the church at noon and go out together to give away solar glasses (we have A LOT to give away) and some treats as well. Will you come join us? I know what some of you are thinking, and here is the answer: don’t worry, we’ll go out in pairs (or groups), so introverts will have an extrovert with them. Come share the love of Christ on this special day!
**The ARKANSAS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE is an incredible experience of spiritual renewal! All are welcome and encouraged to participate; brochures are in the office and sanctuary. See Judy Thompson, Pastor Bill, or nearly 20 others for more information.
***The Presbytery of Arkansas (of which our church is a part) has a youth leadership team known as “The A-Team.” They plan a YOUTH MISSION EXPERIENCE each year, and this year they have chosen to come to Mena! Final plans are still in the works. Your help would be welcome for this Saturday, April 20, project. Please let Garrett Lundberg, Wes Stiefer and/or Pastor Bill know if you would like to participate!
Our CHURCH ELECTRONIC CALENDAR may have updated event information. To access, go to our website: www.firstchurchmena.org. Simply click on “Calendar” at the top, then click on any date or activity of interest. Arrows on either side of the current month will lead you to past or future months.
Do you receive CHURCH E-MAILS? They come out irregularly, but offer new events, updates and prayer concerns. If you don’t, please let the church office know. The office e-address is now: office@firstchurchmena.org.
