We are Easter People
Though the English word “Easter” comes from the name of a pagan feast in England, the celebration itself has no pagan roots. The Christian Easter is rooted in an actual datable event: the resurrection of Christ in the year 30 A.D.
The first celebration of Easter was not a yearly event but a weekly one. To the early Christians every Sunday was a mini-Easter. After Jesus’ death on the cross He first appeared to his fearful disciples on a Sunday. When Jesus reappeared to the disciples the following Sunday, doubting Thomas was there and fell to his knees exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who haven't seen Me and believe anyway” (John 20:29). Christ died for us and was raised to new life! Believe and be saved, and become as blessed as an apostle.
The evidences of Jesus’ resurrection surround us. The early church thrived in the city where Jesus was put to death and now thrives around the world.
Jewish Christians began the Sunday worship. Though Saturday was the written-in-stone worship day for the Jews, the resurrection of Christ eventually caused Sunday to become the Christian worship day.
Changed lives are the greatest evidence. Any person can encounter the resurrected Christ by admitting they have a broken relationship with God, by believing Christ died to restore that relationship, and by confessing Jesus as Lord of their lives. Only believers know the reality of Christ. Receiving Christ brings hope and a new beginning that is beyond this world.
Thanks to all who helped with the Easter Egg Hunt with the boys and girls. They had a great time with plenty of candy and prizes.
The cost of teens going on to Celebrate Life at Olivet is $85. Make your check to the Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene and mark it “Celebrate Life.”
Secret Sister Sign-Up is underway. A new list is in the process of being created. Please see Lanelle to get your sign-up forms for your new secret sister.
Hagerstown Faith Housing has 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with limited rental assistance for those who qualify. Appliances, weekly trash service, and central air provided. Phone Floyd Sander, 489-4898.
Small group discipleship study is this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m..
Praise Team Singers practice Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Easter Lilies have been a wonderful way to remember those loved ones we cherished. Give Pastor Fannin the names that your Easter Lily represent.
Church Board will ‘eat and meet’ next Sunday at the parsonage. Be there or be square.
Today is Resurrection Easter Sunday We are glad to have family and friends to make this a great Sunday celebrating the Lord’s resurrection.
An offering for missions is one way we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The world needs to hear the Good News. Christ mandates us to “make disciples of all nations.” Our goal is $2,000 for this offering.
A new study released by the Barna Group reveals that a majority of Americans see Easter as a religious holiday, but fewer identify the resurrection of Christ as the underlying meaning. From February 7-10 of this year, 1,005 adults were interviewed by telephone regarding their opinions relating to Easter and what the holiday means to them. The research discovered that:
- Two out of three Americans (67%) view Easter as a religious holiday.
- Only 42% link Easter to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- 2% say that Easter was about the "birth of Jesus."
- 3% describe Easter as a celebration of spring or a pagan holiday.
- 8% say that Easter means nothing to them or that they do not celebrate the occasion.
The study also revealed that 73% members of the Boomer generation (age 45-63) were more likely to describe Easter as a religious holiday than other age groups, 66% of Busters (age 26-44), 58% of Mosaics (age 18-25). It seems the younger the generation the less they realize the message of Easter.
The resurrection of Christ means that all that Jesus believed and taught to His disciples is true. The resurrection is reality. Inviting the resurrected Christ into our hearts gives us a new and true sense of meaning in life. Without Him we are nothing.
Church Calendar:
Sun. Apr. 11: Church Board ‘eat and meet’
| Final March Finances | |||
| MONTHLY GIVING | Received Last Sunday the 28th | Received For March | Disbursed For March |
| Tithes and Offering | 1,360.00 | 5,746.00 | 5,765.49 |
| Building Fund Loan | 49.00 | 581.00 | 696.89 |
| Missions Easter Offering | 57.00 5.00 | 296.26 231.00 | 296.26 231.00 |
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