What is So Good about Good Friday?

This week I was reminded that we don't always understand what we say- the youth group was having a discussion, and asked, "Why is Good Friday called good?" It does seem strange to call that day good, when we know Jesus was crucified.

Many believe the name evolved. The earliest designation seemed to be "God's Friday". And just as God be with you evolved into "goodbye", so it did with Good Friday. Of course we know the church has always emphasized the sadness, the mourning, the fasting, and we drape our crosses in black as we follow Jesus on the Way to the Cross.

Yet, Good Friday is good. It is a Godly sorrow that should stand to remind us that our human sin, not the Jewish Leaders caused the death of Christ.We need to remember that the pursuit of our happiness in the temporary thrills of life, are most often those areas of life that grieve God the most.  Yet, in spite of our sin, God's Love was shown as Jesus went to the Cross in order that our Sin might be crucified, and with Him be resurrected to Life Abundantly and Life Eternally with Jesus on Resurrection Morning.

I would ask that each of us today use this time to Pray for God to reveal what in each of us needs to die, and what we can truly celebrate that only one was good enough to save us. That certainly makes Good Friday Good for Us.

See you and your family on Easter Morning.
  7:00am - Sunrise  
  9:00am - Choir and Handbells
11:00am - Redeemed in Praise and Worship

Resurrection is Real

Alfred Ackley penned these words for HE LIVES: “ I serve a risen savior, He's in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He's always near!” I write these words and affirm “He's always near.” I have certainly felt His presence during the Lenten and Easter services here at Covenant. Can I boast in the Lord and in your faithful attendance during worship and study in April. We have averaged over 375 each week in worship. Thank you for faithful attendance.

I certainly felt His presence as the Chancel Choir under Ken Cheshire's leadership, lead us in the outstanding performance of “Journey to the Cross”. What a passionate presentation of this Cantata. I felt His presence as the Redeemed wrote, produced, and performed the original piece “Eyewitness”. Thank you choir and Redeemed for leading us into the Presence of the Lord with such beautiful music. “Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift you your voice and sing Eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!”

I know Christ is alive and well, as I have seen Him in your generous giving to the mission of the church by your stewardship. I know some of our church leaders wouldn't want me to jinx the giving by talking about it, but I had to simply thank you and thank the Lord for such a generous congregation. It is because you know Jesus Christ is Real and Alive, that you help us provide the best of adult, children, and youth ministry opportunities.

I know Christ is present with us as I have witnessed His presence as our Church Council is wrestling with the hard questions of “How do we do better what Christ has asked us to do?” Gene Blevins is providing excellent leadership as we develop our church ministry to better reach out with God's redeeming love to our community. We must be certain we are doing more then meeting our own needs, but serving God's need of a redeemed, reconciled, and healed broken world. Christ will be alive and well as we find new ways to help others.

I Know the Resurrected Christ is present as we break bread, study His Word, Worship in majesty, bend our knee to serve others and build a facility that shows we are building for the future. It seems as if it is taking forever to get some plans ready to present, but let me tell you, it will be worth the wait. I stand ready to talk to anyone about how You can help us raise funds and build our multipurpose facility as well as remodel our current sanctuary. You don't have to wait, call now. Thank the Lord for Covenant being a Resurrection Church.

See you Sunday,
Rev. Chris Blanchard

February 27, 2011 Sermon Download Available

Last Sunday's sermon, I AM the Resurrection and the Life, is now available for free download from our website. http://tinyurl.com/5j6nl3