Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we step into the second half of the year, we find ourselves in one of the hottest months, both in temperature and in spiritual fervor. This period of transition provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the journey we've undertaken so far and to look ahead with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. We've just concluded a profound four-week study on "The Great Commandment," where we delved deep into loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. These teachings have not only warmed our hearts but have also kindled a renewed sense of purpose within our congregation. The Great Commandment calls us to an all-encompassing love – a love that mirrors the boundless love of God and extends to everyone around us. Now, we embark on another exciting journey – a four-week exploration of "The Great Commission." Just as we were called to love with all our being, we are now called to go forth and make disciples of all nations. This commandment is not just a directive but a profound invitation to partake in God's work, to be His hands and feet in a world yearning for His love and truth. In John 20:21-22, we see Jesus imparting His power to His disciples, breathing on them and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This moment signifies the empowerment they need to carry out the mission He is sending them on. The breath of Jesus symbolizes the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, equipping us to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And in John 14:12, Jesus assures us, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." These scriptures remind us that we are not alone in this mission; we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish great things. The promise of doing "greater things" underscores the limitless potential we have when we operate under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Our upcoming series will guide us through the words of Jesus and show us how this commission has been lived out through history, particularly through the lives of the Apostle Paul and two other contemporary individuals who have made significant impacts by embracing this call. Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential apostles is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's call. His journeys and letters continue to inspire and guide us in our mission today. We will also explore the lives of two modern-day missionaries who have made remarkable contributions to spreading the Gospel. Their stories will serve as powerful reminders that the Great Commission is as relevant today as it was in the early days of the Church. Through their dedication and service, we see the enduring impact of a life committed to Christ's call. The Great Commission is a call to action, a call to move beyond our comfort zones, and a call to share the transformative love of Christ with everyone we meet. As we study and reflect on this, let us pray for courage, wisdom, and the unending zeal to fulfill this divine mandate. Each of us has a unique role to play in this mission, and together, we can make a significant impact. May this new series inspire us, challenge us, and equip us to be the light in the world, bringing hope and salvation to the ends of the earth. Let us go forth with confidence, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by our faith community. Until we meet again, journey on in His name… pH

Synopsis: This article celebrates the arrival of spring, interweaving themes of seasonal change, spiritual renewal, and special observances of Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Ascension Day, and Pentecost, all framed through the hopeful lens of faith. As the last traces of winter melt away, we find ourselves stepping into the light of warmer days, greeted by the vibrant rebirth of nature that surrounds us. It is in this majestic unfolding that we find the perfect moment to reflect on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Spring brings with it not just physical renewal but also a spectacular metaphor for spiritual awakening. As the earth clothes itself in green and flowers burst into bloom, we are reminded of our own potential for renewal. Just as the seasons are in a perpetual state of progression, so are our lives and our spiritual journeys. This natural revival inspires us to shake off the remnants of our old selves and embrace a fresh, vibrant path in our faith. In the heart of spring, we will celebrate Ascension Day on May 12th, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. This pivotal event marks a moment of profound hope and promise, reminding us of the eternal life that awaits us beyond our earthly existence. It also officially signals an end to our Easter observances and prepares us for the work that is yet to be done. It calls us to lift our eyes and hearts heavenward, renewing our commitment to our spiritual callings. On this day, we also celebrate Mother's Day, a time to honor the incredible women in our lives who nurture, teach, and guide us. Mothers reflect God’s love and care, managing the delicate balance of strength and gentleness. This Mother's Day, let us reflect on the virtuous qualities of the women we cherish, recognizing their indispensable role in our lives and communities, much like the indispensable nature of rain to the earth in our key Scripture. And, to make this day even more special in the hearts of our mothers, the men will honor every lady on Mother’s day with a special, made-to-order pancake and sausage breakfast. Like blueberry pancakes? We got ‘em. How about chocolate chips? Got those too. And, of course, we’ll have magnificence tribute to those mom’s who want to tackle the “Ascension Pancake Tower.” It’s a tower of three smaller-sized pancakes filled with fresh strawberries and homemade sweet crème and topped with a Calvary Kiss. It’s not to be confused with the Tower of Babble, so no worries there! Come early and stay late as the celebration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Mother’s Day. Following closely is Pentecost on May 19th, a day that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. It is often considered the birthday of the Church, symbolizing a fresh outpouring of spiritual gifts and the empowering of believers to spread the good news. This event invites us to embrace the Spirit's transformative power within our own lives and communities. As May progresses, we also observe Memorial Day, a solemn time to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their friends, family, and country. Echoing the words of John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"; we find a profound connection between this sacrifice and the sacrifices we are called to make in faith. It is a time to appreciate the freedom we enjoy and reflect on the spiritual freedom we have received through Christ. We will have a very special worship service that day as we remember and honor those who served our country and now rest from their labors. As we continue through this season, let each day be a reminder of the beautiful cycle of life, change, and renewal set by our Creator. Let us cherish and honor the special days that bring us together in celebration and remembrance. I invite you all to join in the upcoming events our church has planned around these themes, where we can collectively grow, remember, and give thanks. Let us walk in the light of this season, embracing each moment of life, change, and renewal with open hearts and renewed spirits. Until we meet again, journey on in His name… pH

Synopsis: This exploration into the phases of learning, mirrored in the life of Jesus, provides a unique lens through which we can view our own spiritual growth and development. It's a reminder that our journey of faith is not static but a dynamic process that encompasses continual learning, personal mentorship, and active service. Let's embrace this journey together, supporting one another as we learn, grow, and act in the light of Christ's love. In our lifelong journey of faith and learning, we often look for models who embody the principles we strive to live by. Interestingly, the way we learn and grow spiritually has a profound parallel in the earthly ministry and heavenly guidance of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus exemplified the full spectrum of learning: from teaching to mentoring, and finally, empowering us to act. This season in which we find ourselves, “The season of Eastertide”, allows us to delve into these stages and uncover how they can inspire not just our personal growth, but more importantly our spiritual understanding. Those who have been educated on the art of teaching understand that the most effective teaching formula is three-pronged. First comes the actual moment of teaching the material to the learner. We call this the teaching stage. The Mentoring stage, or second step, involves allowing the learner to experiment and apply what has been taught all the while having the teacher present to support our work. And the third step involves allowing the learner to now become the teacher and teach what has just been learned. Believe it or not, the “seasons” of Jesus life is just this very recipe. Following his birth, Jesus taught us all what His Father’s Kingdom is all about. With the resurrection of Jesus, the mentoring stage is ushered in and the opportunity for His followers to remember what He taught us and to demonstrate the lessons learned. This is the moment in which all Christ-followers currently find themselves. Soon to come will be the “Doing Phase” where, once Jesus ascends into Heaven, we are charged with the responsibility to do what He has taught and mentored us to do. Here's a more detailed explanation of the above: The Teaching Phase: Jesus the Rabbi Jesus's ministry began with teaching. He traversed towns and villages, delivering sermons, parables, and profound truths about the Kingdom of God. Like the initial stage of learning where we are introduced to new concepts, Jesus laid the foundation for our understanding of God's love, justice, and mercy. This period in Jesus's life reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and being open to new insights about our faith and the world around us. The Mentoring Phase: The Risen Christ Guides After His resurrection, Jesus's interactions with His disciples were deeply personal, focused on preparing them for their mission ahead. This reflects the mentoring stage of learning, where guidance and personal experience play crucial roles. Jesus's appearances to the disciples, such as the walk to Emmaus or the encounter by the Sea of Galilee, were moments of profound personal instruction and encouragement. It shows us the value of spiritual mentorship and the transformation it brings, emphasizing growth, encouragement, and the readiness to face life's challenges with faith. The Doing Phase: Empowered by the Ascension Following Jesus's ascension, the disciples were tasked with spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This mirrors the final stage of learning: applying what we've learned through action. Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples put their teachings into practice, embodying the love, teachings, and spirit of Jesus in their actions. This phase challenges us to live out our faith in real and tangible ways within our communities and beyond, applying Jesus's teachings to our lives and serving others in His name. Integrating These Phases into Our Lives How can we integrate these learning phases into our lives today? First, we should continually seek knowledge of our faith and the world, remaining open to the teachings of scripture, tradition, and the insights of those around us. Second, we should seek and provide mentorship, engaging in relationships that challenge and encourage us to grow spiritually. Finally, we must put our faith into action, serving others and living out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. As we reflect on Jesus's life and the stages of learning, let us be inspired to embark on our own journey of growth, guided by His example and empowered by His Spirit. May we teach, mentor, and act in ways that reflect the love of Christ to all those we encounter. Until we meet again, journey on in His name… pH