Dear First Pres,
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! What a wonderful Resurrection Sunday we experienced together. I am so grateful for all the folks who worked behind the scenes, on the chancel, and all over our campus to make it a wonderful morning at FPC Fresno. I’m praying today that you are living in the assurance that every promise of God is “yes” in Christ. The empty tomb gives us full confidence that God is faithful and might to fulfill His covenant promises. Praise Him!
The big change this year was to move our 8:30 a.m. service to 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of having two prime worship times. The results were clear. The 9:30 a.m. service was very full, which opened plenty of space for the 11:00 a.m. service to grow. Of course, growth (both deep and wide) will be what we continue to pursue with God because the empty tomb is news too good to keep to ourselves.
One of the ways that we are working to grow deep and wide in Christ is through our Community Groups. Our Community Groups (mid-sized, regionally based groups for fellowship, discipleship, and mission) gather this Sunday evening from 5 – 7. I’ve been hearing some wonderful stories from our Community Group leaders. Groups are serving one another and their neighborhoods, while building new and deeper relationships with each other. I’m especially excited for the way that many of our newcomers are finding the Community Group gatherings to be a safe and easy way to get connected with the life and ministry of FPC. With that in mind, let’s remember that we don’t come to Community Groups just to receive. We come to give ourselves away to others; we come to encourage others; we come to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Even if you don’t think you need Community Groups, I encourage you to come so that you can bless those who do. By the way, don’t be surprised if you get blessed by being a blessing to others.
We’re back to our normal schedule this Sunday morning: 8:30 worship, 9:40 education, & 11:00 worship. I have one more sermon in the Life Under Pressure series about a chapter in Joshua that I believe is absolutely relevant to the life and health of our church. Plus, we’re participating in an incredibly important day for some of our youth. I hope you’ll be here, and I hope you’ll be ready to host any newcomers that might sit in your spot.
Blessings,
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