Good Friday morning Church Requel!
It's been a great week here at CR World headquarters. After almost a year of dedicated effort, mostly by Pastor Steve Thoman, we have finished our tech booth in the back of the sanctuary. Now it's not only beautiful, but completely functional. Jonathan Pierce and Dave Johnson joined me Tuesday night for 5 hours of the final push. Jon and Dave both have smiles on their faces in this photo on the right after a job well done. If you'd like to see more photos from Tuesday night's "high wire act," click here.
Brandi stepping up! I have even more good news to share with you. For the past two weeks, Brandi Walker has been taking on the roll of worship planning for Church Requel. Each week she meets with me for about 90 minutes. We both bring ideas for the worship services for the next month. Brandi then arranges the music team for each week and completes the worship planning sheet. I'm thrilled for both Brandi and myself. I LOVE having someone else with whom to collaborate. It also forces me to stay a month ahead in my own planning. I'm thrilled for Brandi, because she has a real gift for arranging the worship service around a theme.
Snow Threatening. As I write this letter to you all on Friday morning I'm aware that we are in for some snowfall tonight and Saturday. I'm praying that the snow will be over by the time 11am on Sunday rolls around. Our policy is that we will close whenever there is a Level 2 Snow Emergency in Richland County. You can always check in with our Facebook page or our CR Website. While we are on the subject of snow, have you ever wondered who is responsible for keeping our parking lots and sidewalks clear on Sunday mornings? That would be parishioner Fred Bohnke, who volunteers his early morning hours and snow plow on snowy Sundays. Make sure to thank him next time you see him.
Running The Race of Maturity. We continue our What On Earth Am I Here For sermon series with part 4 this Sunday, "Called To Become." We are called to become like Christ. This maturing process is a lot more like a marathon than a 50-yard dash. We'll examine the 5 different passages in the Bible that compare our growth in Christ to running in a race. I hope you walk away from Sunday's sermon with 8 very practical ways to run your race more effectively.
Children's Praise Team - March 2nd. One of the great benefits of having both Diana Devolder and Brandi Walker on the CR team is that they are planning ahead for a children's praise team the first Sunday of March. If you are a parent, make sure your child receives a CD and lyrics. How fun!
Jillian and Tim Join Brandi on Sunday. Speaking of worship teams, we have a good one lined up for you this Sunday morning! My baby daughter, Jillian, and her guitar-playing husband, Tim, will lead worship singing along with Brandi Walker Sunday morning. It should be special for everyone - not just for admittedly proud Pastor Pappa. We'll be singing CR favorites, "Your Love Never Fails" and "I Will Follow." We'll also sing another song new to Church Requel, but made popular by Kari Jobe, "We Are." Brandi will send us out on a high note by singing, "Live Like That," by Sidewalk Prophets. It should be a really special morning at Church Requel!
It's a boy! Before I say a final goodbye for this week, I have some personal exciting news to share. We found out this week that Jennifer and Mike are expecting a baby boy in June! We knew they were expecting a baby, but we learned that Mike will be getting a son (and Mary Kay and I will be receiving our 4th grandson!) Congrats Mike and Jennifer!
As my own dad often would tell me, stay dry and warm. Hope to see you Sunday morning. With affection, Pastor Mark