Pastor's Notes for April 25, 2010

HAVING A PRESENCE AT THE PICNIC. At the last meeting the Board agreed that we should have a booth at the annual picnic this year. Who will help plan and coordinate this project? Already good ideas have begun to surface. Please communicate your willingness to be on the planning committee to the office as quickly as possible.

YOUTH OUTING. Free Concert by ‘Daybreak’ in Lamar this coming Friday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. sponsored by F.C.A. Our van leaves from the FCC parking lot at 5:15 p.m.

If you plan to go tell Pastor Barbara and check to see that we have a signed release form for you. If you bring friends they must have a parent sign their release form also. Bring money for fast food. Expected return, about 10:30 p.m.

Reflecting on the Scriptures: DEVOTION TO GOOD DEEDS

Acts 9:36-43. What characterized life in the ‘called out’ community of faith after the resurrection? We see a community that shared with others, demonstrated concern for the poor, for those ill and dying. In this instance Dorcas is remembered for her devotion to good deeds and charitable acts. Being a seamstress, she provided for others

John 10:22-30. Before his death Jesus was often questioned about his authenticity. Are you the Messiah? In one instance Jesus said, “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me.” His good deeds show God’s goodness.

Psalm23. The psalmist celebrates God’s devotion to good deeds! Provision and sustenance, restoration and guidance, comfort in the face of danger, goodness and mercy….

Revelation 7:9-17. Devotion to good deeds does not always receive a good response! Worshipping around the throne of God are those who have come through the great ordeal here on earth, those who died for their faith. And God continues to minister goodness to them, wiping tears from their eyes.


As the congregation gathered we sang “Holy Ground” and the acolytes, Dustin Burlingame and Brandon Parker, lit the candles symbolizing the presence of Christ. Bobby Huber placed the bread and chalice on the communion table. Nina Plaskett called us to worship and greeted our guests. Dr. Cathy Frier shared the Children’s Moment because Dr. Mike was sick. She encouraged us to enjoy God’s beautiful creation and take care of it.

Pastor Barbara continued the sermon series, Life after the Resurrection. What difference did the resurrection make in the life of the early church?
In the first century there was anticipation of the Lord’s immediate return, intentional worship with lives reflecting the holiness of God, and good works like those of Dorcas in Acts 9 or Barnabas in Acts 4.

Faithfulness in doing good is a response to the Lord’s faithfulness toward us. As we devote ourselves to good works there is the danger that we begin to think that God owes us, that we have earned God’s favor. Not true! Ephesians 2:10 says “…we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The good in us is God’s work, not our own! The good we do is what God planned for us to do!

Anticipation, worship, and good works characterized the first century disciples because the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead was at work in them. How do we reflect these same characteristics?