There's so much happening here at Shades as the calendar flips. Take a look!
Hello Church!
Easter is this Sunday and we are looking forward to celebrating the resurrection with a special day of praise and worship. There will be three services—8:00, 9:30, and 11:00—all three in-person and online. There is no Sunday School this week, but at 9:30 and 11:00 there is programming for children birth through 2nd grade by reservation. So make a point to head on over to our web site to register your child. Folks, this is the season of hope and renewal. Are there people in your sphere of influence--neighbors, co-workers, friends, even family--who need to hear about the true source of real hope? Invite them to join you for worship on Easter. It could have an eternal impact on their life.
Our 20th Global Impact Celebration starts in just two weeks. On April 14-18 we will welcome dozens of missionaries and church planters to Shades, many of whom have long-time connections to our church. We will have several days to hear about the work they are doing all over the world and to encourage them and provide a time of refreshment for them. Use your prayer guide and pray for them by name. And be sure to check out the Missionary Needs booths outside the worship center on the 3rd and 4th floors. They are filled with specific needs the missionaries have let us know about ... everything from cash donations for laptops and supplies to diapers and sports equipment. Grab a card and return the gift by Wednesday the 14th.
Next week, ahead of the GIC kick-off, the church will be open for prayer walking. You will have a chance to cover our entire campus in prayer, including the spots where missionaries and church planters will have their booths, sit in worship, and meet with Sunday School classes. It's time to REFOCUS--let's do it!
As I mentioned last week and as Chad said in Shades News, beginning April 11th we will be making some adjustments to our COVID-related protocols here at church: pew markers will be removed and face coverings will be optional while on campus. Everyone will have the freedom to choose where they sit and whether or not to wear a mask. Now I know that this is good news to some of you and concerning for others. I want to assure you that every decision made over the last year has been made prayerfully and conscientiously with two objectives in mind—protecting one another and continuing the mission and ministries of Shades. And the Lord has been faithful to us throughout! Over these next few weeks, we will monitor things in our area and will let you know of any additional changes to our protocols. So as we navigate the next leg of this journey, let’s do it with unity: respect the decisions others make for themselves and their families, show compassion for those who are struggling and hurting, remembering always the ultimate goal of is to reflect Christ in all that we say and do so that others can see and know Him
Friends, as you go through this holy week, I encourage you to slow down and really think about the sacrifice Jesus made for you and for me. He paid our ransom and he conquered the grave. He is our living hope! It’s going to be a wonderful Easter and I cannot wait to see you and worship with you--either in-person or online.