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The Hope of Easter
By Pastor Larry Bennett
It is the most important day of the year for us as Christians -- Resurrection Day -- Easter! A day when we gather together to celebrate the reality of a risen Savior. It will be a tremendous day with praise-filled music and a message from the word of God.
But is Easter just for one day each year? Certainly it has to mean more than just songs of praise and a message from a pastor. What does Easter mean?
Easter means hope for eternity. Jesus Christ rose from the grave. He is alive, and therefore one day all of us who know Jesus Christ as our Savior, will go to be with Him forever. This life is so temporary -- sixty, seventy, possibly eighty years -- then comes an eternity with Christ!
Easter means hope for death. We will all one day face that great enemy: Death. However, just as death could not hold Jesus Christ, neither can it hold us. Paul states that reality in
2 Corinthians 5:8 and that we “prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” The very moment we die, we enter the presence of Jesus Christ. At that time there is no more pain, no more struggles, no more disease, no more heartache. That is what Easter is all about. It is a celebration of Christ’s victory (and ours) over death.
Easter also means celebration of our hope for life right now -- today! Jesus Christ, our resurrected Lord, now reigns as the ruler of the universe. Satan doesn’t rule, neither do other people or problems. Only Jesus Christ does. That gives us hope for life. He will direct our steps, handle any problem that may arise, and take care of life. We always sing the song Because He Lives on Easter. Do you remember the words?
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
and life is worth the living just because He
lives.”
Easter is a celebration of hope. Why not invite someone to join you this Easter as we celebrate the hope that Easter brings
In
Christ,
Pastor Larry Bennett
Mothers of
Preschoolers
MOPS meets the third Thursday of each month (Sept - May) from 7-9 pm in ABF 3
Spring Schedule
Watch for details about our summer picnic!
Contact Sharon Stone at 330-830-0146 or Cindy Persinger at 330-966-5479 if you have any questions.
 AWANA Awards Banquet
Cubbies, Sparkies, Clubbers, Leaders and Parents are all invited to join us
at the Family Life Center Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 6:00 p.m.
Reservations MUST be returned by
Wednesday, April 9, 2003.
Questions? Contact Cheryl Pugh at (330)478-0277
 Bloodmobile Coming to The Chapel
Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center
Since this Bloodmobile is being held here at The Chapel, we will be asking as many people as possible to donate blood as well as volunteer to help with coordinating all the necessary activities. Easy tasks include telephone reminders, setting up chairs, baking cookies, serving refreshments and assisting donors. We will also need RNs, LPNs and/or EMT personnel to assist with taking vital signs that day.
If you would like to sign up to donate blood or if you would like to volunteer at the Bloodmobile, please call the church office at (330) 494-3419. Walk-ins are always welcome on the day of the Bloodmobile.
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