Dear Ones,
Greetings in the name of the risen Savior! Soon we’ll be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ even though the month of April 2006 has in itself the season of Lent and the Passion Week. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the uniqueness of Christian faith. We read in the Bible “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Many great men have died and gone but it is not so with Jesus Christ. Jesus has risen from the dead and He lives forever.
“Resurrection” became reality because Jesus Christ endured the “Cross” and the agony at the “Gethsemane.” He persisted, stayed on course toward His goal; doing the will of His Father, that is. He did not give up His mission of laying down His life at Calvary to pay the penalty for our sins. He could have walked away at the Garden of Gethsemane but He didn’t! He persisted and persevered. His persistance resulted in the gift of eternal life, forgiveness of sin, help and guidance of the Holy Spirit to an! y one who places his or her trust in Jesus Christ.
The virtue of perseverance has lost its value in our ‘global culture.’ No one wants to endure, persist, and persevere because it is painful and time-consuming. People do start out right but they just walk away overwhelmed by discouragement and disappointment when hit by the first obstacle. Life is like a ‘marathon race.’ You and I are called to run the race with patience (cf. Hebrews 12:1) which calls for persistence and perseverance. It applies to all walks of our lives-family relationships, responsibilities, job situations, studies, spiritual and other disciplines, “not continuing in sin” (1 John 3:9), etc., You and I can always have a hope of the future and a bright! tomorrow even when all others fail. Above all, the risen Savior is with us and the Spirit of God always helps and strengthens us as we persevere. Even the common sayings (namely, “there is no gain without pain” and “there is no crown without cross”) underlines the importance of perseverance in our lives. “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (Hebrews 9:35). “If we endure we will also reign” (2 Timothy 2:12). God bless you and use you as channel of blessings in the lives of other.
You are most welcome to join with us in our worship and fellowship time.
April 2006
31st March 2006 -- 7-30 PM ... Lenten Devotions (Bible Study) & Prayer
1st April 2006 --- 4 PM ...Prayer Time at Mr. Joseph Kennedy's Home
2nd April 2006 -- 4-30 PM...Worship (Holy Communion) & Fellowship
[Please note the TIME _ CHANGE ]
7th April 2006 -- 7-30 PM ... Lenten Devotions (Bible Study) & Prayer
9th April 2006 -- 4-30 PM ... PALM Sunday Worship & Fellowship
14th April 2006 -- 2 PM ... ...GOOD FRIDAY Devotions & Fellowship
Note: The sanctuary will be kept open from 12 noon. You can come alone or with your family and spend some time at the alter (to pray for your persoanl & family needs).
16th April 2006 -- 2 PM ... EASTER SERVICE & Holy Communion
21st April 2006 -- 7-30 PM ... Bible Study & Prayer
23rd April 2006 -- 4-30 PM ... Worship & Fellowship (Children will take active part in conducting the worship service)
28th April 2006 -- 7-30 PM ... Bible Study & Prayer
29th April 2006 -- TAMIL Service (Worship & Fellowship)
30th April 2006 -- Worship & Fellowship
I am available to visit your homes, at your convenience, to pray.
With regards and blessings
Rev. Dr. Samuel Madavaraj
Pastor, Calvary Church of South India
Phone: 630-790-1832
