Church guide

Come join us tonight at 7pm for our Good Friday Service/Play

Come join us tonight 7pm for a Holy Thursday Communion Service and tomorrow night also at 7 for a Good Friday worship service /play

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:6, NIV) This Sunday is Easter and with it occasionally my mind goes back to a professor in seminary who claimed it would not matter to him whether Christ had risen from the dead or not. Either way, he said he would still be a better person and the world a better place. While there is a partial truth to his statement in that we and the world are still better, where he was wrong though is that the resurrection experience means everything to us as Christians. Without the resurrection there is no such thing as Christianity. Without the resurrection Jesus would have been buried in the history pages probably as a rabbi with delusions of grandeur. Without the resurrection death has not been defeated. However, the fact is, He has risen as prophesied by the Psalmist, as promised by Jesus himself and witnessed by many others. Yes - He has risen and with it – that which we fear most – death has been conquered and because He lives we too through faith have life.

Come join us this Sunday for the Easter Celebration 7am Sunrise service followed by breakfast and worship at both 8:30 and 11am

Come join us this week: Thursday - 7pm (Holy Communion) Friday - 12pm - Community Good Friday Service at Trinity Lutheran (Mayor Sherman Lea will be speaking) Friday - 7pm - Good Friday Play/worship

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c] “Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21: 8-9, NIV) Several times a year large crowds gather on Jefferson Avenue in Roanoke, VA for a parade – St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Day and Christmas. With each parade you’ll find people clapping and shouting as the air is filled with excitement. Several writers of the Bible record about a time when Jesus entered Jerusalem in what was almost a parade type environment. The people that day were excited as well as they believed that Jesus their savior had come. Now while that day in Jerusalem has come and gone, the good news is Jesus still comes to you as your savior – and with it there is still cause for joy and excitement. He comes for you because he loves you!

Where does Jesus fit into your life? Come join us Sunday for worship at 8:30 and 11 as we answer this question together.

Biscuits....

Live worship with biscuits at 11 Come join us

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 12-13, NIV) Perhaps you remember the commercials – “Can you hear me now? Good.” While it is all about a phone carrier and the service they provide, I think the question of “can you hear me now is possibly one we either say or think about when we pray to God – God, can you or do you hear me now… or ever? Yet when we get to know the scriptures – both the Old Testament and New Testament – remind us that God hears our prayers – both the spoken and the unspoken. Why? Because God loves you that much. So get to know God. Talk to God. Pray.

Ever wonder if God really cares about you? Come join us Sunday at 830 am 11 as we explore this together.

Come join us April 7 at 10:30 for biscuits followed by worship outside at 11 as we take the Foundation service to the community.

16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him (Jesus) eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16, NIV) When Jesus walked among us he was often criticized for the people that he hung out with. In fact, often those within the religious community questioned why he spent time with people whom they saw as being “sinners.” The thing they didn’t realize though was Jesus just saw these individuals as people that needed to be loved. But some things haven’t changed – as we live in a world, which is much like Jesus world, still wants to decide who Jesus came for as well as to whom Jesus should be offered to; but as we are reminded by the scripture time and time again – Jesus came for all – because Jesus loves all. So may we seek to do the same – may we love as Jesus loves – and Jesus loves all.

Come join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 as we are reminded how Jesus is with us in our storms of life.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25, NIV) You might be familiar with the ad - A dad takes his son to a baseball game and pays $25 for parking; a hot dog and a drink – $11.50, ice cream - $10; but the conversation between the two is priceless as “There are some things money can’t buy, but for everything else, there’s MasterCard.” According to Wikipedia – “The purpose of the campaign was to position MasterCard as a friendly credit card company with a sense of humor, as well as responding to the public's worry that everything in life was being commodified and that people are becoming too materialistic.”1 But, there is also a certain truth to these ads if we just consider just within our faith walk alone– such gifts - like God’s love, forgiveness, the gift of eternal life - these gifts are priceless. So, I invite you get to know the giver of these gifts – Jesus – place your faith in him and accept these priceless gifts as your own.

Ever wonder what it means to be a disciple...a Christian...a follower of Christ? If so, come join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 as we look at these questions together.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4: 18-20, NIV) I remember when I got my call to go come to my current church. It was during a time like this – right in the middle of an exciting basketball game, but by accepting that call I discovered over time that I would be going to a church that was willing to share a vision of transforming the community around us. I’m telling you this because when you think about it sometimes the calls we get in life from God do come at the most inconvenient times. Take the first disciples. They had fished all night and were mending their nets and Jesus calls them to follow him - which they did - and for the next 3 years they would get to serve alongside Jesus. Wow, what an experience that would be! So accept the call, step out in faith and see what great things YOU can do in God’s kingdom.

Come join us this Sunday for worship at 8:30 and 11:00. We would love to see you there.

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. (Joel 2:13, The Message) And so our Lenten Journey has begun, and for those who aren’t familiar with Lent, Lent is all about making real changes in our lives. However, what often happens instead is that we make changes that seem to reflect either New Year’s Resolutions or recommendations from our doctors. You know – we make changes like cut out candy, sweets or soft drinks. I am sure these changes make our doctors happy and we might become even healthier physically, but how do these changes really make us better people? Better yet, how do these changes make us grow closer in our understanding of living Christ-like lives? So as in the past, I am challenging us all – myself included – to strive to make at least one real change in our life during this season of Lent that will make us more Christ-like. Consider what change you can take on that will make not only a difference in your live but also possibly make a difference in the lives of those around you. Now I know real changes are sometimes scary and might seem impossible, but the good news is you won’t be making these changes alone for Christ will be with you and in Christ all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13)

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:6, NIV) This Sunday is Easter and with it occasionally my mind goes back to a professor in seminary who claimed it would not matter to him whether Christ had risen from the dead or not. Either way, he said he would still be a better person and the world a better place. While there is a partial truth to his statement in that we and the world are still better, where he was wrong though is that the resurrection experience means everything to us as Christians. Without the resurrection there is no such thing as Christianity. Without the resurrection Jesus would have been buried in the history pages probably as a rabbi with delusions of grandeur. Without the resurrection death has not been defeated. However, the fact is, He has risen as prophesied by the Psalmist, as promised by Jesus himself and witnessed by many others. Yes - He has risen and with it – that which we fear most – death has been conquered and because He lives we too through faith have life.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c] “Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21: 8-9, NIV) Several times a year large crowds gather on Jefferson Avenue in Roanoke, VA for a parade – St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Day and Christmas. With each parade you’ll find people clapping and shouting as the air is filled with excitement. Several writers of the Bible record about a time when Jesus entered Jerusalem in what was almost a parade type environment. The people that day were excited as well as they believed that Jesus their savior had come. Now while that day in Jerusalem has come and gone, the good news is Jesus still comes to you as your savior – and with it there is still cause for joy and excitement. He comes for you because he loves you!

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 12-13, NIV) Perhaps you remember the commercials – “Can you hear me now? Good.” While it is all about a phone carrier and the service they provide, I think the question of “can you hear me now is possibly one we either say or think about when we pray to God – God, can you or do you hear me now… or ever? Yet when we get to know the scriptures – both the Old Testament and New Testament – remind us that God hears our prayers – both the spoken and the unspoken. Why? Because God loves you that much. So get to know God. Talk to God. Pray.

16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him (Jesus) eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16, NIV) When Jesus walked among us he was often criticized for the people that he hung out with. In fact, often those within the religious community questioned why he spent time with people whom they saw as being “sinners.” The thing they didn’t realize though was Jesus just saw these individuals as people that needed to be loved. But some things haven’t changed – as we live in a world, which is much like Jesus world, still wants to decide who Jesus came for as well as to whom Jesus should be offered to; but as we are reminded by the scripture time and time again – Jesus came for all – because Jesus loves all. So may we seek to do the same – may we love as Jesus loves – and Jesus loves all.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25, NIV) You might be familiar with the ad - A dad takes his son to a baseball game and pays $25 for parking; a hot dog and a drink – $11.50, ice cream - $10; but the conversation between the two is priceless as “There are some things money can’t buy, but for everything else, there’s MasterCard.” According to Wikipedia – “The purpose of the campaign was to position MasterCard as a friendly credit card company with a sense of humor, as well as responding to the public's worry that everything in life was being commodified and that people are becoming too materialistic.”1 But, there is also a certain truth to these ads if we just consider just within our faith walk alone– such gifts - like God’s love, forgiveness, the gift of eternal life - these gifts are priceless. So, I invite you get to know the giver of these gifts – Jesus – place your faith in him and accept these priceless gifts as your own.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4: 18-20, NIV) I remember when I got my call to go come to my current church. It was during a time like this – right in the middle of an exciting basketball game, but by accepting that call I discovered over time that I would be going to a church that was willing to share a vision of transforming the community around us. I’m telling you this because when you think about it sometimes the calls we get in life from God do come at the most inconvenient times. Take the first disciples. They had fished all night and were mending their nets and Jesus calls them to follow him - which they did - and for the next 3 years they would get to serve alongside Jesus. Wow, what an experience that would be! So accept the call, step out in faith and see what great things YOU can do in God’s kingdom.

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. (Joel 2:13, The Message) And so our Lenten Journey has begun, and for those who aren’t familiar with Lent, Lent is all about making real changes in our lives. However, what often happens instead is that we make changes that seem to reflect either New Year’s Resolutions or recommendations from our doctors. You know – we make changes like cut out candy, sweets or soft drinks. I am sure these changes make our doctors happy and we might become even healthier physically, but how do these changes really make us better people? Better yet, how do these changes make us grow closer in our understanding of living Christ-like lives? So as in the past, I am challenging us all – myself included – to strive to make at least one real change in our life during this season of Lent that will make us more Christ-like. Consider what change you can take on that will make not only a difference in your live but also possibly make a difference in the lives of those around you. Now I know real changes are sometimes scary and might seem impossible, but the good news is you won’t be making these changes alone for Christ will be with you and in Christ all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13)

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6: 27-36, NIV) This past weekend I was listening to a devotional based on where Jesus said love your enemies, and while it was a familiar passage still it caught me off guard as I started thinking Jesus really is asking a lot of us here... “love your enemies.” Now while we might be able to say this, in actuality it is really hard to do. You can even imagine his original audience thinking the same thing, “right… no one can love their enemies.” Yet think about what Jesus is saying because anyone can love those who love them… anyone can be nice to those who are nice to them back….that comes naturally….but the challenge is to love more than naturally – the challenge is to love like Jesus and that is what Jesus is calling us to do. On our own this seems impossible, but with God all things are possible. So, may we seek to love others as we are loved. ..

Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. (2 Corinthians 6:1 The MSG) Do you ever take for granted what you have? For example: food, clothing, shelter, running water, a job, your health, your family or friends? Or better yet, do you take the gifts that God has given you for granted? Gifts offered out of love to you. In fact, all that we have and all that we are comes from God, but do we ever stop and consider giving God thanks. So, I challenge us all to not take life for granted. Live each day to the fullest and take time to give God thanks for all that you have received out of love.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. (Isaiah 66:13a, NIV) Have you ever found yourself longing for comfort and peace? Well if so, then you aren’t alone, and I have good news for you – you can have both and both can be found through faith in God. In fact, I love in Isaiah where the prophet says that God is like a mother who comforts a small child. You see our God wants to give us comfort; and if you spend time getting to know God in the Bible then you see that God longs to give us both comfort and peace to get through life. So, I encourage you to get to know God – so that you can come to find what you are longing for.