Important Thoughts Before Easter Sunday!

1. Invite someone to come with you on Easter Sunday.  There will be a FREE pancake breakfast from 8:45 to 9:45am.  It will be followed by a time of hope and celebration at 10:00am.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help someone experience the amazing grace God has to offer through the gift of his son, Jesus.  There are plenty more tickets available if you need some.  Just let me know.  Remember, found people find people.

2. If you use Facebook, keep your eyes open for an advertisement for the pancake breakfast and Easter service.  So far the add has been seen by 19,580 people an average of 17 times. Almost 100 people have clicked on the ad to find out more.  Please pray God will use these ads to reach the people who need to be at Community of Hope on Easter.

3. Don’t forget about the 24-hours of prayer and fasting beginning Friday (Apr 6^th) at 6PM.  I encourage you to commit to pray for an hour at the church on Saturday (Apr 7^th).  One hour time slots begin at 6am and continue through the day with the last one starting at 5pm.   If you didn’t sign-up for a time on Sunday, let me know when you want to pray so I know to expect you.

4. Remember to take some time this week to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you when he died on the cross.  The gift of mercy and forgiveness you have received is available for everyone.  Don’t let anyone in your life miss out on the opportunity to receive the same gifts of mercy and forgiveness.

Until next time,

David

Six Things I want to Share Today with Community of Hope

1. I was very blessed on Sunday with both our worship and the powerful message that God brought us. As I have preached through the book of Ephesians, I am constantly finding myself blessed by the power of God's love for me. The simple fact that he loved us enough to allow his son to die on the cross, be buried in a tomb, and raised from the dead three days later is life changing. The amazing grace we have received from God's gift to us through Jesus is awe-inspiring. Even more amazing, is he would have done it for any ONE of us.

2. If you missed the Annual Vision Meeting last Sunday evening, you missed seeing me do my best surfer pose. Why was I posing like a surfer? I was letting everyone know there is a wave coming. You see, I believe God is about to move in a powerful way and that a giant outpouring of the Holy Spirit is about to wash over Community of Hope like a tsunami sized wave. This is why I think we’re going to experience a W.A.V.E.: We have(W)aited on God's timing (Proverbs 16:9); (A)ctively equipped the membership. (Ephesians 4:11 – 12); our (V)alues, vision, and purpose remained consistent (Proverbs 4:26 – 27); and as a result, we can(E)xpect overwhelming growth (Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 2; Ephesians 3:20; Luke 16:10a). Are you ready to ride the wave with me?

3. Important dates: as part of our buildup towards Easter Sunday, don't miss these important dates. The start of the Ignite sermon series on March 11; the prayer and fasting challenge which begins March 14; and I especially want to encourage you to participate in the BIG DAY training March 10 at 11 AM. For some this will be brand-new and for others it will be an important reminder as to how we can make the most of our Easter Sunday opportunity. Check the church website (www.gothope365.com) for the most recent information.

4. Our FREE Dinner & A Movie is scheduled for March 17 at 6:30 PM. It will feature the DreamWorks movie over the hedge. Your help is needed in distributing door hangers on March 10 at 9 AM. Please mark your connection card this Sunday if you can help with this important activity.

5. Easter Sunday is April 8, 2012 and will be here before you know it. Start praying NOW about who you will invite to experience God on that day. I believe God wants to move in a powerful way on Easter Sunday, and I want to challenge you to be 1 in 100 people who attend our service. Don't forget… The WAVE is coming!

6. Remember – found people find people. Who in your life is "lost". You may be just the person to find them and show them Jesus!

I am both honored and humbled to be your pastor. Thank you for serving the God of creation with me. You are loved more than you know!

Pastor David

SIX Things I want to share with Community of Hope

1. Sunday was pretty awesome.  I definitely felt God move during our worship time.  Of course, when you celebrate the name of Jesus, every chain can be broken.  I continue to be excited about Ephesians, chapter 4.  The possibilities for our church (or any church for that matter) are tremendous when we do the things we have been equipped to do.  Remember, we were given Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to equip the saints (that's you) to do works of service that build the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).  Are you living a purposeful life and doing what you have been equipped to do?

2. This Sunday, we will celebrate the Ferguson family, and their time at Community of Hope, during a potluck following the morning service.  Please bring a main dish and a side that will feed your family plus one person.  The church will provide the drinks and dessert.  Your help is needed in the kitchen and with clean up.  Please e-mail me if you can help!

3. With Alicia's departure we find ourselves searching for a worship leader.  I do not believe this situation has caught God off-guard, and that he has someone in mind for us.  I am attempting to secure interim leader(s) until a permanent worship leader can be located.  Please pray with the Leadership Team and me for guidance and direction during this process.

4. You’re invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday at our next Dinner & A Movie event on February 18^th.  We’ll kick off the event at 6:30 with a “Seussical” dinner and a special showing of The Lorax.  This will be followed by our feature presentation, Horton Hears A Who at 7:00pm. Your HELP IS NEEDED on Saturday at 10:00am to distribute door hangers.  Many hands make light work.

5. In the coming days, you will receive information about our plans for Easter Sunday.  I want to challenge you to start praying, right now, about who you will be inviting.  I believe you can be 1 in 100.  How awesome would that be to celebrate the risen Lord with 99 other people?  If each of us goes out and does what we have been equipped to do, this can be accomplished. I believe in you – you can do it!

6. REMEMBER: Found people FIND people!

See you soon,

Pastor David