March 29, 2024, 3:00 PM
Good Friday greetings to everyone!
When I came back from running some errands about 1 pm today (03.29.24), there was a man at the door of the church trying to get in.
I had never seen the man before in my life.
I rolled down the window of my car and politely asked, "May I help you?"
He said matter of factly, "Yes, I cannot get in the church. The door is locked."
I so much wanted to ask, "Why do you need to get in there?" but I didn't. I just sat there looking confused for a moment.
He then said he was running late for a funeral that started at 1 pm. The man was dressed very nicely!
I told him that I served as Pastor/Minister at the church and, to my knowledge, there was no funeral to be held here today.
After some more conversation, we quickly discovered that he was looking for another church just down the street.
It made me think about how crazy it would have been for me to walk in this afternoon and find a funeral going on.
I would have been totally unaware.
Likewise, there are so many walking around this very day who are unaware that we are to be honoring a funeral in a sense.
After all, this day is called "Good Friday."
The Friday before Easter Sunday is called "Good Friday," but why exactly is it called that?
Didn't Jesus die a painful death on the cross on Friday?
Yes, Jesus willingly went to the cross as a sacrifice for all of mankind's sins. That death is not just GOOD NEWS, but the BEST NEWS EVER for all of us.
It's because of the death of Jesus, as terrible as His suffering was, that we all have been saved from our sins.
Let us please not be unaware or uncaring about this. Let's make an effort to live in such a way that people can see the reason for the HOPE we have!
In a very real way, "Good Friday" is a kickoff to a very important weekend for churches all around the globe.
We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on Easter Sunday. This year, Easter Sunday will be March 31.
Here at FCC, we've already been working hard at work in preparation for this big day.
Last night (03.28.24), we had a group from FCC pray and then place invites to FCC for Easter Sunday on several nearby homes.
We pray that some will respond to the seeds that were sown.
Today (03.29.24), we were blessed to lead a Good Friday service at the Pine Meadows Post Acute facility off Versailles Road here in Lexington.
Our Elderly Care Ministry Team has faithfully served there for the past year. In fact, this ministry team began by doing a Good Friday service at the facility last year (April 07, 2023).
We had a great service today and had just over 30 in attendance! Praise the Lord!
I hope and pray that you have a Blessed Easter weekend.
I also hope and pray that you will celebrate with us at FCC on Sunday.
We have a continental breakfast starting at 9:15 am. Our worship service will begin at 10:30 am.
If you can help it, don't come alone. Bring someone with you.
Remember that Easter is a time that many folks are the most receptive to coming to a public worship service.
To our FCC regulars - Let's ALL be on our "A" game this coming Sunday.
How does that look in real life situations?
Well, here are some ideas:
Take some time to greet new faces.
Make an effort to make folks feel welcome and comfortable.
Let's also be ready to answer people's questions. For example, think about things that you'd like to know if you were visiting for the first time. Questions like - Where are the restrooms? What is involved with taking Communion during the service? Do you have a nursery or anything for my children?
It's okay if you don't know all the answers. Just be willing to try and find out the answers or someone who does know.
Looking forward to seeing you at FCC this Sunday and may God bless you!
In Him,
Greg H.
Greg H.
