April 2024

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

1 Corinthians 15:17

In thinking about Easter and the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection, I have been drawn to the great chapter in the Bible on that subject in 1 Corinthians 15 in general, and verse 17 in particular. This verse invites us to think about the implications of our faith if Christ has NOT been raised. Can you imagine that? If Jesus died on the cross and stayed in the grave? If the disciples were deluded enough to be executed for a lie? If the Bible is just fabricated wishful thinking, not grounded in the historical event of the resurrection?

The verse comes right out and says what the result would be: the Christian faith is futile, or worthless But how can such a strong statement be made? Isn’t there even a little worth to be found in having doubts about Jesus being raised? Isn’t positive psychology just a little bit correct in saying that faith without belief in resurrection can have much worth?

The reason faith without belief in the resurrection is worthless has to do with the same question Jesus asked the disciples at Caesarea Phillipi: who do you say that I am? Doubting the physical, bodily resurrection from the dead renders faith worthless because it invalidates who Jesus said He was. It calls Him a liar when as to the claims of deity and predictions of being raised (John 2:19-21; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). It does the same to the disciples and the entire New Testament as to their witness to the resurrection. It would make Jesus out to be a liar or lunatic, rather than Lord. And it would render life and death hopeless.

But Jesus HAS been raised! By this we know and can believe that He truly is who He said He was, God in the flesh. He arose as He said He would. The disciples didn’t die for a lie, the gospel is true, there is always hope in life and death, sin is forgiven. Hallelujah!

Because of the resurrection, there is nothing that God can’t bring new life out of. Think of the worst thing imaginable and take in the truth that God can bring resurrection out of that. The implication of this reality is FEARLESS LIVING, made clear for example in the book of Acts account of how the earliest church lived out its mission.

The reality of the resurrection is more powerful than any fear. So whatever you’re going through in this season of life, be confident in the hope of the resurrection:

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!”

Happy Easter!

Pastor Ben

Children’s Ministry

Sunday School (Kindergarten-5th Grade) in the Kids Life Center

SERIES DESCRIPTION: Cookout, It’s Worth the Wait. Patience - Waiting until later for what you want now

MEMORY VERSE: “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14, NIrV

WEEK ONE: The Waiting (A Patience Proverb) Proverbs 14:29 (Jane Kirian & Kathy Babb)

WEEK TWO: Can’t Hardly Wait (Esau’s Impatience) Genesis 25:24-34 (Rhonda Palmer & Maegan Stauffer)

WEEK THREE: I Keep Forgettin’ (Golden Calf) Exodus 32:1-35 (Janet Damschroder & Courtney Dysert)

WEEK FOUR: I’m with You (Simeon Waits for the Messiah)

Luke 2:25-35 (Michele Clark & Linda Bishop)

Monthly Family Bags are available with devotions, activities and a themed gift. They are on the table by the Sanctuary for Preschool and Elementary students.

Nursery/Preschool Class (Birth-Preschool)

WEEK ONE: God Made Seasons. Genesis 1:14 (Elaine Nye & Jenny Kirian)

WEEK TWO: God Made Animals. Genesis 1:20-25 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

WEEK THREE: God Made People. Genesis 1:26-31 (Heather Cramer & Monica Metzger)

WEEK FOUR: God Gives Us Food. Exodus 16:11-18 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

MONTHLY KIDZ KLUB EVENT

April Kidz Klub Cookout! Sunday, April 21, 2024 — 4 - 5 p.m.

We will be having a cookout event for all of our kids! Burgers and hot dogs will be provided along with drinks and chips. There will be a few cookout themed activities and a short lesson as well!

Greetings WIC Families!

Bring on the Sun!

We will be having a Movie Night on April 26, 5-8pm up in the Loft! Popcorn and drinks will be provided, but students are encouraged to bring their favorite movie snacks to enjoy as well! The movie will be decided on soon so make sure to keep your eyes and ears open once I have decided!

Have a need you would like some help on? Please contact me and I’ll see if we can get some students together to come and serve!

For any questions or more info involving the youth ministry at WIC, please feel free to contact me via the office at the church: 419-894-6454 my personal number: 330-205-5123 or my email: authenreithministry@gmail.com

Blessings and peace for you and your family,

~ Michael Authenreith, Director of NextGen

Ministry

"I AM PRAYING TO YOU BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WILL ANSWER, O GOD" (Psalm 17:6)

REJOICE! in these answers to prayer

* "I would never have heard the message of Jesus in my home country - and besides, it would have been illegal to change my religion." Mark*, a student at Kansas State University, has, after much prayer, recently placed his faith in Jesus. Bubbling with joy, he is planning to be baptized, and cautiously sharing with his roommate from the same Middle-East country. We pray along with Mark that Adam*, too may soon become a believer. Kendall and Lois Borthwick, our missionaries at Kansas State, are following up with Mark and helping ground him in the basics of his new-found faith. Pray more of these international students will become Christ-followers. (* names changed)

* Najma hated Jesus! "Why do we have to suffer for this fellow?" she would ask angrily. Najma's parents were Christian, and as such, were severely condemned by their Muslim community and especially by the extended family. Najma's uncle even poisoned her mother and Najma expected her to die. Battling for her life, Najma's mother repeatedly called on the Name of Jesus. Miraculously, she survived. Najma, astonished and grateful, wondered at the power of Jesus' Name. Finally, the extended famiiy decided they'd had enough of these infidel parents. They must be killed, and the children taken to be raised as good Muslims. But just as Najma's uncle was ready to kill her parents, the local Muslim leader stepped in and gave the order to let them go. Najma and her family left the village with nothing, but Najma saw how God supplied their every need. At last, she, too, became a believer in Jesus and by God's grace, eventually could forgive her uncle. Today, Najma loves Jesus and is sharing His love with other Muslims in eastern India. (One80podcasts)

BELIEVE! for many more answers...

* We are in the middle of Ramadan, Muslims' holy month of fasting and prayer. This is a time when millions of Muslims are acutely aware of their spiritual need and seeking answers. We can pray for God to meet their need! Pick up a "30-Days of Prayer" booklet on the Welcome Center desk and join Christians world-wide in praying. God does answer prayer!

~ Submitted by Marilyn Shaferly

WOMEN OF WORTH

For the March meeting of WOW, we met at the Wildcat Café in Vanlue with 16 members and four guests present.

Marilyn Shaferly opened the meeting with prayer. Birthdays for the month are Linda Bishop and Marilyn Shaferly.

Betty Lee read a report from Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). A critical situation is putting Christians - and those seeking to know Christ - in grave danger. In some Middle Eastern regions where oppressive leadership bans the mention of Jesus’ name, men and women are risking their very lives to possess a copy of God’s Word

That’s because this generation of broken and disheartened people has lived through decades of oppression and violence. Millions have been left feeling betrayed, confused and hopeless. Right now, people are pleading for Bibles, but supplies are low! Janet Damschroder moved, seconded by Gladys Smith, to send $100 to CRU for Bibles. Motion passed.

Haiti Update: Gangs at Port au Prince let out 4,000 inmates. They also tried to overtake the airport but roads were blocked. They need our prayers.

Speaker for our meeting was Letty Grismore. Letty and Dwight are now serving with Cadence at WrightPatterson AFB in Dayton. Letty brought a pair of wooden shoes, and she explained how the wooden shoes are made. The reason for wooden shoes in the Netherlands is due to the wet climate. Dwight and Letty spent a number of years at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Alaska. It was a lonely time for Letty since she had not yet learned to speak the English language.

Marilyn announced that Ramadan begins March 10 through April 8, and she has the 30 Days of Prayer booklet for those interested.

The next meeting will be Thursday, April 4 - place to be determined.

Our meeting closed in prayer by Marilyn.

~ Judy Rader, Acting Secretary

INTEGRITY MEN WITH VISION

Nine men were on hand for the monthly breakfast meeting of the Integrity Men With Vision chapter. It was held, as usual, at Honey Joe’s Café (former Kathy’s Korner) in Arcadia. A great meal was enjoyed by all. John Fetters asked the blessing on the meal.

Chapter President Gary Knox gave an update on the Backyard Mission Trip coming up on April 27. There will be some teams put together if interested. Gary also mentioned a few upcoming ramp projects, and will be looking for helpers.

Ray Pollard led in devotions, and spoke on Peter, a fisherman, being called by Jesus, to become “Fishers of Men,” and follow Him and cast out our nets for all men.

It was noted that Joe Diebley will be having back surgery this Wednesday.

Our Guest Speaker for the meeting was Michael Shaferly, son of David and Marilyn. Michael is currently serving on the Board of Directors of One Mission Society. He is involved as President of OMS’s project, Men For Missions, where they coordinate short term mission trips all around the world. He spoke on their work in Haiti, where he was born and raised, as his parents were missionaries. He noted OMS work in Haiti has been curtailed a little due to the government unrest and increased threat of the gangs. He spoke on OMS providing services through a seminary, schools, clinic and radio station. He will be headed to Haiti soon to meet with local leaders of their projects. Please pray for his safety.

Bob Garner prayed for Michael, Joe, Ray and others, asking for God’s guidance for us to better serve Him.

~ John Fetters, Secretary

Coming To A Sunday School Class For You !!

Children’s Classes

Birth - Preschool Nursery Bible Stories and Songs

Kindergarten - 5th Grade KLC Peace - Waiting Until Later For What You Want To Now

Youth

Jr. & Sr. High Loft Topical Bible Study

Adult

Revolve Room # 9 “Daniel And Esther - Israel in Exile”

Faith Builders Room #10 “Acts - The Birth Of The Church” (current) “Life Lessons in Romans” (next)

Video Bible Study Class Room #12 “The Chosen” (when available online)

Faithful Followers Sanctuary Union Gospel Press Quarterly Bible Study

Come and Go

“Come, see the place where the Lord lay,” Said the angel in garments of white. Come, see the cavern, once gloomy, Now flooded with heavenly light.

Come, see the place He made sacred, Make sure ‘tis an empty tomb: For Christ the Redeemer is risen, And banished is sorrow and gloom.

“Go quickly” and bear the glad tidings, Delay not the story to tell To the millions who linger in darkness: He triumphs o’er death and o’er hell.

Go quickly and witness for Jesus; Go tell of His matchless love, How for us He now makes intercession At the throne of the Gather above.

“Come, see,” and “Go, tell,” is the challenge Of Easter, to you and to me, Come, see for yourself and be happy, Go, tell that salvation is free.

~ P. E. Holdcraft

Toilet Paper Drive for City Mission

The TP Drive was won by Good Shepherd Church of Benton Ridge. A total of 323 rolls were donated from WIC.

City Mission was very grateful for these donations.

Thank you to all who participated in this contest!

This recipe was requested by several who attended the Resurrection Sunday breakfast:

Spinach Appetizer (Spinach Bars)

3 Tbsp margarine, melted

1 cup milk

1 tsp salt

3 eggs

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 lb shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 10 oz packages frozen chopped spinach, Tawed and squeezed dry.

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix well. Pat (I use a wooden spoon or spatula) into the bottom of the dish. Bake 30 minutes (should be golden brown along the outside edges).

Let cool for 30 - 45 minutes in pan. Cut into small bars and serve.

MarkYour Calendars

The Sunday morning worship services will continue to be live streaming on YouTube/Facebook, as well as in-person service. Please attend as you are comfortable and feel you can safely do so. Be sure to watch the bulletin, newsletter articles, and Facebook for event announcements.

Worship Attendance (and YouTube Views)

3/3: 100 (57); 3/10: 75 (32); 3/17: 102 (27); 3/24: 95 (34); 3/28: 39; 3/29: 73 (42); 3/31: 79, 125 (40)

Maundy Thursday Good Friday SONrise

Sunday School Attendance:

3/3: 68; 3/10: 66; 3/17: 67; 3/24: 79; 3/31:

Vacation Bible School 2024

Pre-School through 5th Grade

Monday through Friday

JUNE 3 - 7, 2024

West Independence Church

START THE PARTY Share The Good News

Contact Michael Authenreith for registration at authenreithministry@gmail.com

If you would like your child(ren) to purchase a VBS shirt, registration must be completed on line by MAY 1, 2024.

WIC Prayer Group

2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:00pm

The Prayer Group will meet on April 8 and 22 in Room #8.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18

We are thankful for this group of prayer warriors who undergird our ministry, and we invite you to come and join us. Whether you are a member of the Prayer Group officially or not, please be praying for our nation during this difficult time.

Mobile Food Pantry 2025

In anticipation of our next mobile food pantry to be held in January 2025, we hope to collect at least 100 bottles of laundry detergent. This item is normally purchased by our church because it is not typically provided by Chopin Hall.

If you’re willing, please place any brand, any size of liquid laundry detergent on the shelf in the FLC lobby. Any detergent that is not given out at the mobile food pantry will be used for the Hope Pantry. Thank you.

~ Missions Committee

Highlights of Trustees Meeting

Following are some highlights from the March 4 meeting of the Trustees:

 The chairlift inspection was completed in February for 2024.

 Four outside lights were replaced on the west and north sides of the FLC.

 The Trustees approved the purchase of a new medicine cabinet and lighting fixture for a bathroom in the parsonage. (Since the meeting, the cabinet and lighting fixture were purchased and given to the installer.)

 The basketball nets were replaced in the FLC.

 Some of the folding chairs that had been stored in the north mechanical room were made available for the church family to take.

 A list of tasks for spring Clean-Up Day (April 27) is being created. There will be plenty of jobs to do! Please put this work day on your calendar!!

 The irises on the west side of the Church are free for the taking. Help yourself before Spring CleanUp Day.

~ Submitted by Rhonda Palmer

NOISY OFFERING

The Noisy Offering will be on April 21 and it will benefit the

Habitat For Humanity

Apostle Build

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

IJohn1:7

Arcadia 5th / 6th Cheerleading Competition

Thank you for letting us use your gym to practice. We had a great season - YMCA 5th / 6th Grade Girls’

Champions - and finished the season 9 - 2.

~ Shannon George, Coach

A Special Birthday

Thank you for all the cards, texts, calls and birthday wishes. It is great to have so many friends.

Thanks again.

~ Linda Tong

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April 2024