Christ is Still Risen!

It was an awesome Holy Week and Easter celebration at Christ Church as we lifted up the promise of “resurrection power” for all who receive Jesus as their Savior! There were more than 900 people in attendance on that beautiful morning and the spirit of worship and praise was electric!  109 people indicated either a “first time” commitment or a “recommitment” to Christ.  Praise God!  The worship, the Word, the flowers, the new altar and staging, the fresh coffee and delicious breakfast, the families and friends… it was a morning to be remembered!  I want to thank the dozens of dedicated volunteers who served so joyfully to make the whole weekend possible.  What a team!

I’ve got Good News for you!  “Christ is still risen!  He is still risen indeed!”  Easter is not for an hour or a day but for a lifetime for those who are followers of Jesus.  We serve a risen Savior who is in the world today; loving, caring and working in our church, communities, families and daily lives.  Since that first Easter Sunday, Christians have continued to worship on “the day of resurrection.”  Since that first Easter Sunday, we have known that it is only “resurrection power” that truly brings life!

I’m very excited to continue our Power Trip series during these next 8 weeks and press in to discover what that “resurrection power” is all about.  This Sunday, April 27, we will resume our regular schedule with both Worship and Sunday School at 9:00 and 10:30 AM.  My topic is “Power to Go!”  What direction has life been taking you lately?  Have you been going with God’s power?  A friendly greeting and a fresh cup of Dunn Bros. coffee will be awaiting your arrival.  Come early and hang around awhile.  Invite a friend to join you.

Next Thursday, May 1, is the National Day of Prayer.  I will be helping lead a prayer service in the State Capitol rotunda beginning outside on the steps at 2:30 PM.  All are welcome!  Our annual NDP Area Worship and Prayer service is once again at ERHS on Thursday night, May 1, at 7:00 PM. The offering this year will be presented to the Mayor of Elk River, John Dietz, to bless the city. I’ll be giving a BlessMN update too.

New Member Classes will be held on Saturday morning, May 3, from 8:30-10:30 AM and Monday, May 5, from 7:00-9:00 PM.  Choose the one that works best for you.  Child-care is available as needed.  Please come and make some new friends, meet members of our Church Council and staff and learn more about the Mission and Ministries of Christ Church!  We welcome you to join this congregation that is on fire for Jesus!

BlessMN continues to grow!  On Sunday, Pastor Jason Sorley from Elk River Baptist, one of our newest partners, will share the BlessMN opportunity with his congregation.  Next week, Zylstra Harley Davidson, Sportech Inc. and Integrity Insurance will all be launching special initiatives with their employees, clients and customers.  How can you network through your workplace, Facebook account, circles of friends etc. to encourage everyone you know to “adopt a street in prayer?”  Let’s help light a fire here that will continue all across the State of Minnesota!

Blessings in Jesus!
Pastor Greg Pagh