Our Resurrection Weekend services begin with our Good Friday Evening Gathering, March 29 at 7:00 pm, and conclude with our regular Sunday activities on Resurrection Sunday Morning, March 31!

Elder's Prayer

Please find below the notes from the Elder's Prayer this past Sunday.

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved - 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Father, how exciting it is to know this truth: that we who once were dead now live! And we live with the privilege of the capability of living for your glory. We've been rejoicing in song this morning: our Creator humbled in the form of a baby, lived like us, he died like us, then of himself he was resurrected from the dead and he will one day return a vindicator of justice and our eternal Savior - and for all those who have believed in you, who have been made repentant from sin, obedient to your word, and who are inheritors of your eternal life.

When we did not love you, you loved us.
When we were dead in our sins, you made us alive in you.
When we had no authority, you seated us with Christ in heavenly places.
When we had nothing, you gave us the gift of faith in Christ.
When we had no ability, you gave us the ability to do your will.
When we were inglorious, you gave us the privilege of glorifying you.

Truly, as Jesus claimed, he is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him, though that one dies, yet shall that one live. Everyone who lives and believes in Jesus shall never die! (John 11:25-26)

And for that, we give you all the honor and the glory! And it is for that which we live. And we look forward to your return and our being united with you! Remind us of these gracious gifts as we continue to worship you now in song, in giving, and in hearing your word taught. And make us worthy examples of your character as we encounter each other and the world when we leave this place.

It's in Jesus name I pray, Amen.