Two weeks ago, as we studied Unleashing Hope for Our Community, I shared that one way we can be salt and light is through our willingness to pray. I was challenged because I know how feeble my prayers were for the rapid spread of the gospel message. I realized how little I had been praying for the shalom of our community and world. The Ukrainian crisis has been a wake-up call for me concerning prayer. I’ve found myself drawn to prayer more and more with a deeper sense of urgency, which is why I was eager to gather and pray with our Nevada County churches last Sunday. It turned out to be a great time of prayer, fellowship, and Christian unity.

I want to encourage you to be praying for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Yes, we are all united through our humanity and by the fact that God says every person ever conceived is created in His image. I read an article by a Ukrainian pastor this week who gave some concrete ways we can pray. Here are two of his suggestions and one of mine:

1. Pray for Ukrainians. The need for food, water, and basic necessities are at a critical point. Please pray for provisions. Pray for the safe evacuation of all who desire to leave and protect all who are staying.
2. Pray for churches and church plants across Ukraine. One worker shared that churches in Ukraine have become beacons of hope. Christian Ukrainians are giving spiritual leadership to people caught in the middle of this conflict. Pray that God will use persecution as an opportunity for the gospel to spread.
3. Pray for peace to spread like wildfire in the entire region. Pray that leaders on all sides will humble themselves and do what is best for all instead of what appears to be best for their nation. Pray that God will break through strongholds that pit nation against nation and that peace will be embraced by all.

Thank you for praying. Let’s believe God answers all our prayers when we pray for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

If you want to give financially to help alleviate some of the burden of the Ukrainian people, you can give to the Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, or Samaritan’s Purse. These organizations are scrupulous in their efforts to make sure that your gifts reach those you intend to bless.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community. 

FAMILY FILM NIGHT – TONIGHT, Friday, March 25, 5:30-7:00pm at the church in the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. Bring your own picnic dinner. The movie begins at 6:00pm. We’ll be watching 'Twas The Night Before Easter by the VeggieTale gang.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 12,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it's easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. The deadline to receive candy is Wednesday, March 30 so we can get it stuffed in our plastic eggs. Join our team to help stuff those eggs on Wednesday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 6. Please check the website for more details. 

The EASTER EGG HUNT is on Saturday, April 16. Come enjoy the greatest Easter Egg Hunt ever at Scotten Elementary School Field! There will be a FREE pancake breakfast before the hunt starting at 8:30am. The egg hunt begins at 9:00am, but come early to park and walk into the field area.

MAN TIME – TOMORROW, Saturday, March 26, 8:00-11:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast, lots of laughs, and fun! Then hang out with us afterward to do some male bonding events like bowling, an adventure hike, or biking. The cost is $5 for breakfast. You need some man time!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. We have two part-time jobs open right now for the person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings. If you’re interested in any of these positions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders. 

THIS SUNDAY, we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. This week, we will recognize how the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and God’s church has something to say about the mental health crisis in our land. This is a huge deal that impacts us all at some level, and God wants us to be part of bringing healing and wholeness to those who struggle with mental health issues. Please be in prayer as we move forward to become a church that cares for everyone, including those with emotional health issues. The message is called, Unleashing Hope for Your Mental Health.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service: 

• Message Notes and Study Guide
• Weekly Spotify Playlist
• Children's Ministry
• Student Ministry 

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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