Good morning Church Requel,
Our sincerest condolences go out to Aimee Medina and her family on their loss of Aimee's mother, Roseanne, early Thursday morning. As I write this letter to the church family on Friday morning, funeral arrangements are being made. While the plans are not final yet, I understand a traditional Lutheran funeral will be provided at our church by Pastor Paul Lintern sometime on Monday morning. I will provide more information to you when I have it. I know you will surround Aimee with your love and support.
Saturday Morning Membership Class. We have 9 people registered for our Belong Membership Class tomorrow morning. We open the doors to a wonderful breakfast at 8am. (Thank-you Lisa Hatfield!) All members are welcome to come and enjoy breakfast with us. We will begin the Belong Membership class at 8:30am. We expect it to end at 1:30pm. We'll talk about our salvation, our statements, our strategy and our structure. Even if you have not registered yet, you are welcome to join us. There is no obligation to become a member. However, you cannot become a member without first attending this class.
Welcome Aboard Brandi! We announced this past Sunday that Brandi Walker has officially joined the Church Requel staff as our new Creative Worship Arts Director. Brandi will plan and organize our worship services. She will schedule people to participate each weekend at Church Requel.
I'm really excited about Brandi's new position for so many reasons. For one thing, Brandi will have the opportunity to explore the Lord's calling. Not only does she have a terrific voice (which you've already heard if you've been to CR this year), but Brandi has incredible leadership and organizational skills. How often do you find someone with creative skills, who also teaches mathematics to college students?
I'm also thrilled for the Church Requel family, because more people will be involved in our worship services. I've already seen how Brandi has invited more of you to participate. I'm sure this trend will continue.
We will explore new worship arts in our services that we have not been able to do up until now. In the coming weeks you'll see more involvement from our children, more skits, and more short movies involving our Church Requel parishioners.
Speaking of which, I understand that Brandi and her team will be filming a short, funny video on Sunday after church. Ever want to be an extra in a movie? Stick around after church this Sunday and join in the fun. No lines to memorize!
Finally, I'm excited about Brandi's new role because it shows our small church is growing. We have 3 staff members now! Yay! This could have only happened because of God's provision and your faithfulness. I don't know about you, but it makes me wonder what the next thing God has in store for us!
This afternoon, Brandi will be joining me in the Church Requel podcast studio. You will want to tune in next Monday to hear her talk about this new job and some of her plans.
Jeff and Tamira Lead Worship Sunday! We have so many things to look forward to this coming Sunday morning. We are always blessed when Jeff and Tamira join us a guest worship leaders. Nancy Roop will let us know what's coming up in future weeks. Pastor Steve will lead us to the communion table. Brandi will lead our prayer time. Jennifer Carrick will read our Scripture.
I'll continue our Financial Fitness series of talks. I'm really looking forward to this one! We're going to talk about the 8 steps necessary to become financially healthy. We'll cover the first 3 steps this weekend and the last 5 steps next weekend. This talk will be good for everyone. If you're already financially healthy, you'll discover how to become even more fit. If you're in a money pit, these 8 steps will be your map for how to get out of the financial hole. I encourage you to attend each of the next two weeks!
Game Night Coming Up Next Friday. We have an important social event coming up one week from today. Church Requel kids of all ages love Game Night! Bring your favorite games and your favorite snacks to share. Most importantly, bring yourself! This may be THE BEST way to get to meet new friends from Church Requel. It's fun. It's laid back. It's a party. Plan on arriving by 7pm. Thank Diana, Rachel and Sara for organizing this lively and pleasant evening.
Photos of our Children. I've been working all week on our next sermon series - the one coming up in May, after Easter. I don't want to give too much away just yet, but this will be a terrific teaching time for our families. I'd like to use some of the fabulous pictures Diana has taken of our kids for the artwork in the sermon series. I'm telling you this now for two reasons. First, if you have a favorite, fun picture of your child you'd like me to use, email me a digital copy. Second, if you'd prefer us to NOT USE a photo of your child in my sermon series, please let me know.
As I wrap up this weekly newsletter to you, I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses we talk about alot in the Belong Class:
"So we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:5 ESV
You, Church Requel, embody this verse. Thank you for the privilege of being your pastor. Blessings, Pastor Mark
