Basketball in March — it’s really good. I was thinking yesterday about what drives us to “madness” in March. I’ll tell you the secret (hardly) … it’s because everything is on the line. From high school playoffs to the NCAA Tournament, it’s “do or die” for every team. Win and move on — lose and be done. The season is at stake with no second chances. This inescapable fact loads every game weight and consequence. Everyone gives it all they’ve got, lest it be their last chance.
Thankfully our God is a God of second chances. Because God loves us so much, He gives us a second chance (and third, fourth, fifth…) all because he sent His own Son. Most Christians I’ve ever known are obviously thankful for this basic truth. But today I was challenged as I thought of our God of second chances. Sometimes it seems like we can take advantage of God’s grace and mercy when life is full of madness. Have you ever faced a temptation and fallen into sin partly because, in your mind, you were thinking something like, “Oh, God will forgive me if I mess up just this once … after all, He loves me unconditionally?” Do you ever take second chances for granted?
We see this in sports sometimes. A team might give up and give in during a regular season game because they know there will be another chance during the next game. Well, I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve sinned (James 4:17) partly because it’s easy to get a second chance. God HAS made it easy. He did the hardest work on the cross and simply asks us to confess and believe and follow. God chooses to see us through the cross. We may fall, but He forgives us and picks us right back up.
Don’t let God’s unconditional love be a mental excuse to slack. Live life more like March Madness. After all, if we really get what the cross meant in terms of love, grace and second chances, we’d do nothing less than play not to give up or give in, realizing that some missed opportunities may never come again. All our decisions and days add up to only ONE earthly life — no seconds. Live it hard.
1. Are you taking advantage of God’s second chances?
2. In what ways does this harm your life? Your walk with Him?
3. How can you learn to better appreciate love, grace and second chances?
Events in March:
- Annual Yard Sale (March 3rd) – “We’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. We’ve got whozits and whatzits galore.” Do you want thingamabobs? We might just have those too! Our annual Yard Sale takes place here at California EC Church on Saturday, March 3rd beginning at 8:00 AM and going until 1:00 PM. There will be free coffee, tons of things to buy, and so bring your family and tell your neighbors! If you can’t come early – there are deals even later! Come at 11:00 AM and fill a bag for just $1 (that’s a deal you just cannot beat). Lots of great housewares, clothing, boots, shoes, books, movies, holiday decorations, toys, etc… And if you can’t find your treasure on Saturday morning, stop by Sunday morning at 10:15 AM for worship. We’ll help you find Him then (along with a whole bunch of leftover items as well.)
*NEW SERMON SERIES* – Beginning March 4th, we’ll be starting a series of messages that will take us all the way through the Lenten season ending on April 1st which is Easter Sunday entitled: “People Walking in Darkness”. The prophet Isaiah tells the people of Israel, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” The people then did not know who this prophecied Messiah would be. Even as the disciples neared the end of days with Jesus, they did not fully get it – they too felt in the dark. During the month of March as we make our way to Easter, we will be journeying with key people who felt in the dark. Peter, James, John, Pontius Pilate and the rulers of government, Judas who betrayed him, and even a man forced to carry the cross walked in darkness those days. We want to shine a light on God’s message of hope, love, and light for the world. Join us as we unveil and illuminate the message of hope for you, your family, and the world through Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection!- Don’t forget to turn those clocks FORWARD on March 11th – Daylight Savings! We wouldn’t want you to be late for church that morning and we promise to have all the coffee you need to recuperate from that loss of an hour.
- Lenten Devotions (continuing all throughout March) – Easter will be here in exactly 1 month (April 1st!) and so that means that the season of Lent is in full swing. This year we’re doing things a little differently – rather than an everyday devotion from members of the congregation this year we will be doing 3 separate activities that will engage us in the Lenten season.
- 40 Day Prayer Challenge – During each day of the week (except for Sunday) there will be a specific thing for you to pray for (the Pastor, our Country, our Community, your neighbor, etc.). Each of these prayers can be done personally or in a community; whether that is with your family or maybe a couple of people together want to pray through each item in a group. May our time of unified prayer bring the Easter season closer to our hearts!
- Weekly Family Themes – Each week there will be a theme that goes not only with our Lent sermon series, but also connects to the larger Biblical story. These themes might include fasting, giving, or serving. We hope that these themes might drive home the message of Easter all throughout the season and beyond.
- Holy Week Passport (for kids) – For those little ones in our lives, we’ll be doing something specially designed just for them, a passport to Holy Week. Each day of that week will include a number of different items: a short devotional, an activity, and a guided time of prayer that we hope encourages our young children and students during this special time of year.
- Bible Study (Every Wednesday Night) – Beginning at 7:00 p.m. we gather together to open God’s word for a time of study. We are nearing the end of our study of the book of Romans – widely regarded as one of the most influential writings of all-time. The foundational document of Paul’s theology, Romans shaped the teaching of influential leaders such as Augustine, Luther, and Wesley and continues to change millions of lives today. We’d love to have you be a part of the conversation and time of learning together!
- Egg Hunt (Palm Sunday (3/25) following Church) – Kids of all ages are welcome to the church for a wonderful time of hearing the Easter story and participating in the annual Egg Hunt. Be sure to bring a basket to carry all those eggs in because there are sure to be a lot!
- Holy Week Services here at California EC Church:
- Palm Sunday (10:15 AM) – Join us for a celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry as a kick-starter to Holy Week. A fun, exuberant time of worship while also setting the stage for a powerful week of remembering God’s redemptive plan!
- Maundy Thursday (7:00 PM) – Worship through coming to the table of God. Be sure to be a part of our special time of Communion remembering the Last Supper and its impact on our daily lives. Christ’s body was broken for you – Do this in Remembrance of Him.
- Good Friday (7:00 PM) – We gather on this somber evening as we remember Christ’s death. Many find Good Friday to be one of the best services you can attend all year and we encourage you and your family to be a part of our Good Friday service.
- Easter Sunday (10:15 AM) – The long-awaited morning of jubilation – Resurrection Sunday brings together family and friends for a morning of pure joy celebrating Christ’s resurrection, conquering of sin, and our salvation in Him! You don’t want to miss this special morning! Join us for a worship service that’ll fill your heart with praise!
I love God.
I also love movies.
And when those two things collide – I love them both even more!
For the second year in a row, I (Pastor David) have committed myself (and a few hours of my “free time”) to watch ALL 9 of the Best Picture nominees. Some of you may have gotten a chance to see some or all of the Best Picture nominees for yourself over the past month leading up to awards night on March 4th. I know movies aren’t for everyone and that’s ok, but for those who love films and talking about them, this sort of thing is right up your alley.
For me personally, movies are a window and a mirror into our culture – a window into the thoughts and views that are infusing themselves into the everyday discussion and a mirror to evaluate where the Gospel message stands in unison or contrast. Movies (and media in general) allows us as viewers to peek into a piece of a culture different than our own, a historical moment, or even a way of life that we may not be accustomed to. At the same time, that piece of media should be nudging our minds and hearts to pier inwardly at our own struggles and joys.
You may not like all 9 films – this year I certainly did not like them all. But what we cannot and should not do is dismiss films out of hand just because they don’t fit our taste. There will always be snubs and shocks, but most of us can agree that a majority of these movies that the Academy has decided to recognize, provide people with an opportunity and a voice for discussion about the themes, characters, and overall story. And so what does the Gospel have to say about these films? That’s where we as Christians can take it to a whole new level and that excites me!
The “The Gospel According To…” The 2018 Oscars is now LIVE!
See in-depth reviews and messages of the Gospel in each and every one of Best Picture nominees.
Comment and even share your own thoughts and rankings! You can read it for yourself by just clicking – HERE!
And if you want to check out last year’s Oscars’s blog, head on over to our full blog page and read all about it.
Upcoming Events:
As you can see by our March calendar – there’s a TON of things happening. April for the moment seems to be quite a lot less hectic, but we still hope you can join us for these few events listed now and perhaps more will show up in next month’s snapshot!
- Spring Clean (April 7 [Rain date will be April 14]) – Just like any house, our church house needs some spring cleaning! Wash windows, rake leaves, pull weeds, clean inside and outside of church and grove…just to name a few items on the list! Come lend a hand for an hour or two or stay till the work is finished! Connect with friends, have some fun, chase away winter cobwebs, and help make our church home sparkle! (If you happen to have outdoor equipment of your own [rake, garden tools, gloves, tarp, etc.] please bring them with you!)
- Men’s Study – Keep your eyes open for a Men’s study group to be forming soon. We are in the process of looking over materials and gathering numbers to form a group that will meet after church for a time of fellowship and study. If interested, be sure to get in touch with Pastor David!
Don’t forget to stay in touch here on our website as well as at our church! Feel free to comment AND SHARE with your friends on social media and we look forward to seeing you at California EC Church this month!
Don’t want to miss out on new posts? Be sure to check back for more Monthly Snapshots (always on the 1st of the month), “The Gospel According to…” reviews, and lots of other great things here on our church blog!
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