A Pastor's Perspective 04-02-2024

This past Holy Week was outstanding! Our volunteer teams were outstanding, many of these gave up their Easter Sunday so that others could have one. Their sacrifice was more than worth it, and appreciated. There were two people who let me know they brought individuals Sunday to experience their first Easter ever in church! Sure we had over 1000 people here Sunday but those two experiencing Easter for the first time among the body of Christ warm my heart in a way nothing else does.
The Thursday before Easter was beautiful as well with Giles Blankenship and Richard Suggs's leadership, we experienced something special. Our choir and band combined to lead us in one of the most powerful Maundy Thursday services in which I have ever participated. Then, on Sunday morning, again they gave us powerful worship experiences. All weekend long, Karen McAmis's team created meaningful Easter events for families and children. All Sunday morning, our Welcome Team created a most inviting environment under Jen Rabon's direction. From the parking space to the pew! Way to go, Welcome Team! Every other team member worked extra hard and extra hours this week.
Let me also say thank you for the positive comments about the Easter Series, “The Unexpected Jesus”. I am grateful for Kate Pearson's art development and the content and presentation tips from so many on our team. This Sunday, we start a new series, "Generations".
The first message in this series is a sequel to The "Unexpected Jesus" and acts as a bridge from our Easter series to one of the more pressing series I will share since becoming your pastor. The "Generation" series will mark the beginning of a generosity initiative motivated by the commission given to us by Jesus and our desire to continue as a Multi-Generational church.
Jesus' commission is clear…
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20
God's desire is also clear. The Palmist writes:
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
…which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God…
Psalm 78:4,5b-7
We have had an outstanding Easter weekend at Snyder. For the next six weeks, I want us to challenge ourselves to honor our heritage as we invite the future during this Generations series.
Looking forward, Blake