April 2025 - Volume 57 - Number 4
Many years ago, I learned a “poem.” For some reason, I still remember it.
“Spring has sprung, the grass has riz;
I wonder where the flowers is.”
Okay, it’s not the greatest poem in the world, but it does remind us that we are in a new season of year. We have two major events coming up this month to spring us into the rest of the year.
Small Groups. These will meet during the four weeks of April, beginning April 7. You have three opportunities to join a small group. Mondays, at 6:30 at the church building (with child care). Tuesdays, at 6:30, at the Fordyces (311 E. York St., Camp Point, except for April 14 when we will be out of town). Wednesdays, at 10:00 at the church building.
What is the purpose of small groups? We have found that small groups provide
Fellowship we don’t have time for on Sunday morning
Bible study on a deeper lever where we are able to ask questions and share insights (or say nothing, if we are so inclined)
The possibility of working together on a group service project (not required, but a fun way to conclude a study).
This study will focus on our church’s mission—Sharing Christ, Building Community. We will also explore our Pathway to Discipleship—Connect, Grow, Serve, Share. We will discover the biblical foundation and explore ways to become involved.
By participating in a small group, individuals experience authentic Christian community, deepen their faith, and become more engaged in the life and mission of the church. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that? As the old saying is, “Try it; you’ll like it.” And if you don’t like it, your money will be cheerfully refunded.
Easter Sunday. The date for Easter this year is later than usual, so the weather will be great, we will have become accustomed to Daylight Savings Time, and there will be no excuse not to gather together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
Carry-in breakfast at 9:00. We always have a variety of foods for breakfast, and plenty of it. Join us for breakfast and have a smorgasbord of food opportunities.
Worship service at 10:00. Let’s try to have at least 125 people in worship this Easter. How can we do that? You must attend. You can invite others to come with you. Easter is the one Sunday of the year when even people who do not attend church regularly decide attend. Why not invite them to attend and celebrate with us. But be prepared to be a gracious host. If someone is sitting in your “usual” seat, just smile at them, greet them, and sit somewhere else. Churches used to sell seats, but we don’t do that anymore. Hope to see you on Easter, and before.
FYI. Your offering for the young people from First Christian Church at Unionville, MO, was $735.00. We enjoyed their performance and supported them with our presence and money. Thank you for your attendance and for your generosity.
Jan and I will be out of town from April 10 through April 18. I am attending a conference at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN, where I will present a paper. Then, we will travel to the Land Between the Lakes in KY for a vacation with our friends Ron and Patti Oakes.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
“Spring has sprung, the grass has riz;
I wonder where the flowers is.”
Okay, it’s not the greatest poem in the world, but it does remind us that we are in a new season of year. We have two major events coming up this month to spring us into the rest of the year.
Small Groups. These will meet during the four weeks of April, beginning April 7. You have three opportunities to join a small group. Mondays, at 6:30 at the church building (with child care). Tuesdays, at 6:30, at the Fordyces (311 E. York St., Camp Point, except for April 14 when we will be out of town). Wednesdays, at 10:00 at the church building.
What is the purpose of small groups? We have found that small groups provide
Fellowship we don’t have time for on Sunday morning
Bible study on a deeper lever where we are able to ask questions and share insights (or say nothing, if we are so inclined)
The possibility of working together on a group service project (not required, but a fun way to conclude a study).
This study will focus on our church’s mission—Sharing Christ, Building Community. We will also explore our Pathway to Discipleship—Connect, Grow, Serve, Share. We will discover the biblical foundation and explore ways to become involved.
By participating in a small group, individuals experience authentic Christian community, deepen their faith, and become more engaged in the life and mission of the church. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that? As the old saying is, “Try it; you’ll like it.” And if you don’t like it, your money will be cheerfully refunded.
Easter Sunday. The date for Easter this year is later than usual, so the weather will be great, we will have become accustomed to Daylight Savings Time, and there will be no excuse not to gather together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
Carry-in breakfast at 9:00. We always have a variety of foods for breakfast, and plenty of it. Join us for breakfast and have a smorgasbord of food opportunities.
Worship service at 10:00. Let’s try to have at least 125 people in worship this Easter. How can we do that? You must attend. You can invite others to come with you. Easter is the one Sunday of the year when even people who do not attend church regularly decide attend. Why not invite them to attend and celebrate with us. But be prepared to be a gracious host. If someone is sitting in your “usual” seat, just smile at them, greet them, and sit somewhere else. Churches used to sell seats, but we don’t do that anymore. Hope to see you on Easter, and before.
FYI. Your offering for the young people from First Christian Church at Unionville, MO, was $735.00. We enjoyed their performance and supported them with our presence and money. Thank you for your attendance and for your generosity.
Jan and I will be out of town from April 10 through April 18. I am attending a conference at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN, where I will present a paper. Then, we will travel to the Land Between the Lakes in KY for a vacation with our friends Ron and Patti Oakes.
Thanks for reading,
Rick
