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 It is hard to imagine a quarter of the year is already gone. God has blessed us so much in 2025. We have seen baptisms and that is always amazing. We are now in the building that we talked about, waited for, and watched being constructed. We have completed the sale of the property next door. God is definitely blessing our church. So now that the building is built, what do we do now?

The building was a task that involved a lot of work, a lot of inconvenience and quite honestly, a lot of money. What we do now will require a lot of work, some inconvenience and probably a lot of money. What is it? It is time that we, once again, evaluate everything happening in our church, to help us to do ministry and for our spiritual growth to flourish. There are all kinds of Bible studies every week. We have ladies exercise and Pickleball for your physical health. We have many activities for your social health-GIRLTIME (a chance for our ladies to do crafts and socialize), as well as Men’s breakfast. These are just a few areas I think we need to continue and see how God can continue to use them.

I also think we need to look at other areas we might need to consider. There are several suggestions I will be making in the near future that I believe will help our church and community to share and experience God’s plans for us. Also, we need to begin planning for this years Bethlehem Experience. Yes, it is many months away, however we need to consider some additions or changes that need to be updated with our new facilities. We need to get ready for our Summer activities that will soon be upon us-camps, VBS and consider once again doing small groups for the summer. These are just a few areas that I look forward to our church moving forward.

You may be wondering why do we need to try changing, or adding anything new. As the month of April arrives, we need to look at Easter. What is Easter? I know, we all know, it is the celebration of the risen savior, but what does that have to do with changes in church? When you think about it-Easter is all about change. When Jesus was crucified, it was the end of something amazing. God sent His son, Jesus, to come live amongst us. The time that Jesus was here on earth, he taught, he healed and showed that God truly was powerful, loving and holy. But Easter was different. Mark 16:2-7 says;

2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

This familiar passage describes a new day, the first day. It also says after sunrise, meaning the light after darkness. The women are going to a tomb that they are not even sure how they are going to be able to do what they set out to accomplish. In verse 4, it shows that God already took care of their dilemma before they got there. While they had to go, God provided the stone rolled away, a messenger who gives direction, comfort and most of all HOPE!

Easter is all about hope, that comes from change. We must be ready to change because if we aren’t willing to let God bring change, then what’s the point. Change does not mean, everything needs to be thrown out, it just means that what we think we need to do, God may bring change, one we never expected.

Over the next few weeks, I will share with you some “new” plans to accomplish our real task-sharing the Gospel. Please be ready, not to merely look at our beautiful building, but to be ready to experience the hope found in Easter.

Easter is April 20, put it on your calendar and make plans to bring someone and come and experience the importance of the empty tomb.

In Christ,
Brother Alan