Triumph Over Fear & Failure

By Pastor Kevin Labby

This month's Easter celebration is an opportune time to reflect on the disciples' fears and failures surrounding our Lord's suffering and death.

• Twice bid to pray with him through the night in the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples instead repeatedly fell asleep (Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42).

• At his arrest, the disciples abandoned him, fleeing into the darkness of the night (Matthew 26:56).

• Allowed to observe our Lord's trial from a distance, Peter denied knowing Jesus not once, not twice, but three separate times (Matthew 26:69–74, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62, and John 18:15–18, 25–27).

• At his crucifixion, it appears that most of the disciples remained in hiding (John 20:19ff).

• After his death, many disciples lost hope, not waiting or looking for the resurrection (Luke 24:13ff).

However, instead of despising his disciples for their fears and failures, the resurrected Christ drew near to them. Over several weeks, Jesus gave his disciples many convincing proofs of his

Celebrating Nancy Jo Demolin

From planning and preparing to set-up and clean-up, this celebration was such a JOY as we thanked God and honored our dear sister, Nancy Jo Demolin! Thank you to all of those who served, gave gifts to the