Sunday, April 24, 2011

“Easter Baskets and Empty Tombs”

I was working on the bulletin for Easter Sunday and found this wonderful devotion….the only problem was that it did not fit.  I just did not want to waste a good devotion so I thought I would share it with you here.  It is by Martha Noebel from the Destiny Revival Life Church and called, “Easter Baskets or Empty Tombs” “I was living up North several years ago when I first heard the phrase, “He Is Risen; He Is Risen Indeed!” The pastor loved to say the first part, He Is Risen, and wait with a big smile on his face for the congregation to finish the statement. (He Is Risen Indeed.) This was a favorite ritual every Easter Sunday morning. Why did the pastor like saying it? I guess He knew it would fit with the sermon that day. He was sort of priming the pump, so to speak, for what was to come. Then a wonderfully, well organized, properly prepared sermon on the death and resurrection of Christ would soon follow. Previous to this were three or four songs from the hymnal such as He Lives, He Arose, At Calvary, and At The Cross. It was the only Sunday we would sing these songs, so sing we did. We sang loudly and with a lot of heart. I remember as a child that everyone wore fancy clothes on that day. It was the only Sunday that all the kids had new white shoes and pretty hats. Some of the girls even wore white gloves. Several of the moms and dads had a flower on their suits or dresses. An excitement was in the atmosphere. We knew an Easter egg hunt for all the children would begin after the service. There would be lots of beautifully colored hard boiled eggs, jelly beans inside plastic eggs, hard candy coated marshmallow eggs, and a very special large chocolate covered candy egg. At home I had a wonderful Easter basket filled with lots of candy and gum waiting for me too. It marked the coming of spring. Pastel colors were everywhere. Flowers were blooming and the air was much warmer than a few weeks ago. It was such a happy time. Now, I am older and I know Easter Sunday in a much different way. I now realize Easter is about death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus the Son of God was born so that one day He would die. He chose to become the sacrifice for your sins and mine.  It’s so wonderful. By faith we simply believe in the great price that was paid for us. We sinned, Jesus died on a cross to pay for our sins, and on the third day rose from the grave. He is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us. He paid a very high price. He gave His life. He suffered so that we can live forever with God. If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved. There is no condemnation for the things we have done. And with each mistake we now make, forgiveness is still ours to receive. So you see, Easter isn’t at all about Easter baskets full of candy, pretty clothes, or spring flowers. It’s about an empty tomb. He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Holy Week at Rock Mills

What a great Sunday of music this was.    Beth treated us with “Majesty” as a prelude and “The Old Rugged Cross” as our Offertory.  We are so very blessed to have such an accomplished pianist at our church.  Karen, and her group from the Arbor in Alex City sang, “Via Dolorosa.”  Ron’s favorite song, “Were You There” was our first congregational hymn.  There are so many wonderful Easter songs for us to do and so little time.    Bro Frank’s message came to us from Matthew 27:15 and it was simply titled: “Palm Sunday.”  We were blessed to have Mrs. Betty Jean and Mr. Larry Houze back with us today.  Ms. Betty Jean is recovering nicely.
Upcoming Events of the Church:
  • Easter Lilies can be placed at the altar next Sunday(Easter Sunday).  Let Brother Frank or Karen know who you are placing them for so they can put your name in the bulletin.
  • The Easter Egg Hunt for the children will be Saturday, April 23rd at 2:00.  Children please bring a dozen plastic or hardboiled eggs for hiding.  Come and enjoy the children and some yummy Easter snacks.
  • Easter Sunrise service will be at 6:00 A.M. on Easter Morning.  All kitchen workers need to be here by 4:30 or 5:00 to prepare breakfast.  Our regular service will be at 11:00.  There will be no night activities.
  • May 1st – Rev. Stoney Halsey will be bringing our Homecoming Message.  There will be no Sunday School and the service will begin at 10:30.  Special singing will be provided by Cedar Creek, Karen Korb, and Libby Towler.  Don’t miss this wonderful day!
Our Vision:  The vision of Rock MIlls UMC is to be the spiritual center of our community.
Our Mission:  The mission of Rock Mills UMC is to be in ministry to both the churched and unchurched by taking risks and changing lives.
Opportunites to Participate:
Sunday School ……………………………………………………..9:45 AM
Sunday Worship…………………………………………………..11:00 AM
Sunday Evening Bible Study…………………………………….6:00 PM
Sunday Evening Choir Practice……………………………….6:30 PM
Wednesday Night Youth and Children…………………….6:00 PM
Contact Information:
Church – 334-885-6565                                    Parsonage – 334-885-6439
Bro Frank – 256-749-4987                                Karen – 256-749-4847
Bro. Frank email – fekorb@gmail.com            Karen’s email – kskorb@gmail.com
Parsonage Address:  65734 Hwy 22            Roanoke, AL  36274
Church Address:  66059 Hwy 22                 Roanoke, AL  36274