This weekend in worship Rev. Karen is going to lead us in a conversational sermon. She and I will begin a discussion of Resurrection Faith. The topic is so appropriate to the church season. The Holy Spirit bears witness in us to Christ's Resurrection. The Spirit is at work in us to bring us to new life by drawing us ever closer to God. Resurrection faith fills us with love, joy, and hope. The discussion will focus on the fact that all of our lives have some difficulties and challenges. Sometimes they are impacted by tragedy. How is it that some persons, even with all of life's difficulties, grow in faith, hope, and love while some become negative, bitter and angry? What an engaging question. Karen and I will begin the discussion. We will ask Kay Thomas, a member of the congregation, to join us, and then Karen will open the conversation to the congregation. I hope you will participate, and my prayer is that we will all grow in the kind of faith God wants to give us. Keep us in your prayers, and don't miss this unique worship event.

 

    As I sit in my study this afternoon, the air is full of the sounds of heavy equipment. The contractors are working on taking out the construction road and getting the lawn ready for restoration. This has served a valuable purpose for our construction phase, but is no longer needed. Other work has progressed this week on the Family Life Center. The landscape people will be here soon. The grading is all but finished around the building. We are getting very close! The Building Committee has expressed the hope we will have a Certificate of Occupancy by the end of the month. We hope so!

 

    Have you made a financial investment in the Family Life Center? Of course, many of you have and are already faithfully giving for this cause. If you have not done so, it is not too late! Your gift of any size will be a valuable addition to this effort. It is needed. There are "Expanding Ministries" cards at the Information Table and available from the office. This addition to our building is going to change the future of First United Methodist Church. Wouldn't you like to be able to say joyfully, "I helped"?

 

    Please read on in this PastorGram. There are so many wonderful things happening in our life together. Take note of the Men of Praise and their unique ministry at Lansing State Prison. Be sure to take a look at what is still offered through "Fan the Flame." Remember the Garage Sale to support the Youth Volunteer in Mission Trips. And there is more.

 

    This week some of us began a study of Dr. Hal Knight's book, Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists. In the book he asks, "Do you want to know and love God more fully, as you are known and loved by God?" It is an essential question for members of that group, and indeed, for every Christian. Are you growing in love and knowledge, or do you have all you want? Do you hunger for God or just want to know the minimum requirements? Methodists believe growth in grace is possible at every stage of our relationship with Christ. God's immeasurable love for us offers us life abundant. God will bless your desire to grow.

 

    Grace and Peace to You,

    Steve Campbell