Dear Immanuel Family:

What a beautiful day!  And what a great weekend ahead of us.

Sunday is Mother’s Day!  And that morning several special touches will be part of our service in “honoring mom.”  Included will be both a fun video and a touching remembrance of moms in the church.  The message for the morning is called – A “Family Value” That God Commends … and Commands! – which I trust will be encouraging, challenging, and heart-warming.

As part of this wonderful day, The Foundation Brass will be with us for an evening concert.  This group of professional musicians will use their skill and artistry to inspire and bless you with great songs of the faith.  The concert begins at 6:30 PM … so invite friends to come and join you for this special occasion.

There will be an insert in Sunday’s bulletin …

MEN'S MINISTRY - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

Greetings Men – Have you ever heard of an organization called “Assurance Wireless”? Basically, it a government (a.k.a. taxpayer funded) program that will give you a free cell phone and 250 free minutes every month. Google “assurance wireless” and check it out for yourself. Here’s a clip from their website…

Virginia residents have something to get excited about: Assurance Wireless offers free government cell phone service in Virginia! Now eligible Virginia residents can get a free modern cell phone and 250 free voice minutes a month. Free phone service from Assurance Wireless does not require a credit check, a deposit, monthly fees, or a contract. All you have to do is qualify for the program and you get free cell phone service for one year. When a year has passed, if you still qualify for the program all you have to do to keep your free cell phone service is complete the annual certification application (this takes five minutes).

By now, you are probably wondering how you can qualify for Assurance Wireless’ free cell phone program. Well, it is pretty simple. You can qualify for Assurance Wireless service in Virginia under government program-based eligibility criteria; no one else in your household currently has a Lifeline phone; and you have a home mailing address.

With the celebration of Palm Sunday, we recall the events of the final week in which Jesus died and rose from the grave.  Let me encourage you to take time each day to remember the events of that week.  We are providing a guide to assist you in that.  You will find this a valuable tool because the events of this week … provide the historical foundation for your faith … reveal upon the impact this week had on the disciples and how it should impact you … deepens your appreciation for what Christ endured … encourages your heart toward genuine worship … and cultivates a deeper relationship with Christ as you “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Phil. 3:10).

What an exciting week for me!  The Lord seems to be surrounding me with the theme of “LOVE” in my life!  I have just been told a few days ago that my first grandchild will be a boy………..a little man child to love!  How great is that?  Of course, it is totally out of my comfort zone as I have raised to very feminine girls!  But I so look forward to this new kind of love that will be soon introduced into my life!

In preparing for our Bible study this week, I have been reminded from the Word that to “love” is the primary command for our lives.  And often many people think we love God, but do we really?  I was reminded that a “love relationship” exhibits a few things:

The One we love in constantly on our mind

• We want to spend time with the one we love
• We  demonstrate our love for someone we feel that emotion for
• We  enjoy the one we love
• We  find satisfaction  in loving as we should

As I have thought about this little boy that my Father has created to be my grandson………. A little one to hold, to nurture, to teach, to influence, to enjoy and to LOVE, I saw something in myself that I didn’t like.  I realized that without so much as one doubt, I would for sure show to this little guy I haven’t even met ALL the things normally exhibited toward someone you love! BUT…..do I without a doubt show that same kind of love toward the one who came to earth as a “man child” so that He could die for my sins? I am ashamed to say, that I don’t always exhibit the kind of love that I feel for Christ often enough in my life. I don’t always think of Him constantly………I don’t always demonstrate my love for Him through obedience………I don’t always spend the time with Him that I should.  Not proud to say that, but true none the less.