Dump Distractions 

   A doctor was planning to build a million dollar home. His wife told family members not to criticize because he works long hours and they "deserve" it

   Consider this: Caring for things we deserve, want, or must have may negate their value. Our acquisitions must be stored, cleaned, organized, maintained, and all too frequently, replaced. Our possessions often possess us.

   One family began life together in a lovely, starter house where they also had the first of their healthy children. They changed cars frequently, bought expensive furniture and clothes, and moved on to larger homes. Although they were professing Christians, there seemed to be an emptiness that demanded things.

   Massive indebtedness increased tension. The marriage shattered and everyone suffered. All those "things" were divided or sold. The drive to possess destroys relationships, devours time, and leads to bondage.

   In the other direction, choosing to live at or below our means can give us exciting glimpses of God's provision for us. When He provides, and not our credit cards, it increases our faith and gives us a witness of His sufficiency to share with others.
  

   Sharing our surplus prevents excessive accumulation, simplifies our own lifestyle, and honors God's word. We are told not to "... store up for yourselves treasures on earth" (Mathew 6:19) and that "... a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15) →

→ In considering "the best choice," perhaps we should choose to serve our brothers, honor our Father, and dump the distractions that threaten to rob us of opportunities for that option.

This Week
 

Today
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
10:45 a.m. Bible Adventures
Monday
4:30 p.m. Confirmation Class
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Ladies Crafts
Saturday
5:00 p.m. Praise Worship
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:00 Bible Adventures
 

Serving God and Us 

Today:
ACOLYTE: Kyle Effertz
GREETER: Lou & Patty Basham
READER: Fred Donaldson
COFFEE: Jill Potter
USHERS: LaSelle
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Malorie Morril &
        Dallas Cooper

Next Sunday:
ACOLYTE: Chandler Harkins
GREETER: Kay & Jane
READER: Bea Cook
COFFEE: Gail Berkesch
USHERS: Donahoo
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Britney Mendoza

Be an Advocate 

   Thrivent for Lutherans has rearranged its program for distributing finances for congregational project.  Our congregation is in need of a Thrivent member to be our contact person so we can take advantage of available resources.  Let Pastor know.

Altar Flowers – In praise and thanksgiving to God, the chancel flowers are given by Lou & Patty Basham in appreciation of God’s blessings.

Take a Trip 

   Bible Adventures resumes today when Pastor will explore various theories that discount the resurrection of Jesus and a number of proofs that the resurrection did indeed occur.  Next week our lesson will focus on a miraculous catch of fish in John 21:1-14.

Rummage Sale 

   Dates have been determined for the Rummage Sale.  We will hold it on June 4-5.  This will be for smaller items (excluding appliances and furniture).  Please start saving your treasures.

Attendance: (last week)  

   Easter Worship- 129

Be In the Know

   You can be included in our emailings each Friday when we send out the Notes and News and in the Phone Tree calling system.  Indicate your interest on the attendance card.

Upcoming Events: 

Council meets Tuesday, April 20
Confirmation Sunday is June 13

Christ Lutheran Finances 

Given Last Week: $3,745.10
Given To Date: $41,136.85 

Needed Last Week: $3,044.85
Needed To Date: $42,627.90 

God gives us the ingredients for our daily bread, but he expects us to do the baking.