Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:54b, 55
Our mission statement is to build a great caring network and everything we do is evaluated in some way by that mission. It is our way of saying that like Jesus we want to be servants to show the world what touched us about God – a love we could not resist.
Recently I heard someone asking about our concept of entertainment evangelism. For us Easter, or Christmas for that matter, is not a matter of entertainment but of service. Throughout the year we minister to so many people who are struggling with grief over the death of a loved one, and each time we try to communicate the Easter story. Sometimes it is on a cold day at a cemetery graveside service. It is difficult right after a death to really consider Easter. But there is something about springtime, especially about Easter and making our very best effort to tell the Easter story.
We have some gifted people involved in retelling the dramatic story. Most people don’t know it, but Pastor Naomi has quite a resume as an actress and a musician. She has starred in Hollywood movies with Terry Garr and Shirley MacLain, and in several musicals. Our special effects were designed by one of the directors of Northern Exposure. We also have other accomplished actors from local drama troops – The Glory of Easter pageant really is our very best effort in retelling the great story of Easter. And of course we combine it with worship, a short sermon, hymns and praise to put on an amazing Easter worship service. For us the benefit is just one grandchild, or widowed wife who has a light of faith and joy of Easter begin to glow in their eyes. A servant church meets needs in the community and the inspirational Glory of Easter Pageant definitely is a need – and we feel privileged to be a part of ministering to people at this all important holiday.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Tim White
2 comments:
Pastor Tim,
What a blessing the Easter services were for our family during the many years we lived in Redmond! My three sons, Martin and I will never forget the Easter story as enacted during "The Glory of Easter" pageant. Jesus's story was brought to life. How could you not be touched? Thank you to all of the hard working Christ loving people who year after year devote their time and energy to such a worthwhile cause. I am grateful for life.
Blessings and Happy Easter!
Kathryn Lee
It's so good to have your e-mails coming, again!
I loved the reference below,as it reminded me of the saying,"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.(Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person who complains about our society or government, or community, or a business, or faith would instead propose a change to improve it? And what if they backed up that proposal for change with an offer to wade in and help until the change came about? Can you imagine what kind of world it would be if there was just this one attitude change?)
As a woman who is disabled, I was happy to know that we have a Miss Wheelchair!(applauding)
Thank you for a wonderful place and atmosphere in which to worship.
Hugs from the Heart..
Juliana Wright
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