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I’m looking forward to the Resurrection Celebration we have planned for you and the friends you’ll bring with you this year. The message, “Come Alive,” will bring encouragement that God is offering you more than just “the good life;” he is inviting you to experience “the abundant life.”

Notice the addition of an extra Sunday morning service to accommodate more people.  If you normally attend at 8:30, PLEASE come a half hour earlier at 8:00 so we can make room for extra friends and neighbors at 9:45 and 11:30. (Keep in mind that childcare will be limited to nursery/preschool at the 8:00 service).

Here are three specific things that you can do as we prepare to celebrate Easter:

1. Invite your friends!
It’s always amazed me that although I know many of my friends are LOOKING for a church to attend on Easter, I still feel nervous when inviting them. Maybe it’s the fact that we all feel a bit nervous when talking about things that are important to us. The truth is, when you invite a friend to join you for church on Easter they very often will come, and even if they cannot, they’ll appreciate the fact that you thought of them.

2. Help out in any way that you can.
If you see ANYTHING that needs to be done – a piece of paper that needs to be picked up, a person who needs a question answered, a restroom that needs to be cleaned – I encourage you to “just do it.” Another of the great things about Easter at Grace Place is the way that we all pull together to meet whatever is needed.

3. Personally celebrate the good news of Easter starting today.
Just think of it: because of Easter our past is forgiven, our life is worth living and we have a future in heaven! Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.” (NLT)

I’m looking forward to celebrating the Risen Christ with you!

Matthew 5:1-11; Romans 12:1-8

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back. Jesus is my Lord, the Holy Spirit is my Guide, and I choose to cooperate with the healing God intends for my life.

I realize I am not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing. I earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me be an overcomer. Therefore, I consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control, confessing my faults and submitting to every change God wants to make in my life, humbly asking Him to remove my character defects. I will spend time with God in order to know Him and His will for my life and gain the power to follow His will.

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, serve in ministry, grow to maturity, and fulfill my mission through God’s family.

Realizing that this life is preparation for the next, I refuse to be molded by this world.  I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position and pleasure. I will not live in the past or hold grudges.  I choose to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and will try to make amends, if possible, for harm I’ve done. I choose to be transformed toward God’s will.

I know what matters most, and I will give it all I’ve got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today and every day. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, and mission-focused, so I can’t be bought, I will not be compromised, and I will not quit until I finish the race.

I am a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I choose to honor the Lord as a member of His body, using my gifts to serve others. I yield myself to God to be used to bring His Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.  I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I say however, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is, “Yes I’m ready. Any time; any way. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, ‘Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!’”

Dear Grace Place church family:

Exciting things are happening at Grace Place.  For months now we have been praying together for revival—for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, homes, and church.  And God is answering! We have been hearing thrilling testimonies of healing and life change.  Recently, many have taken steps toward a closer walk with the Lord and deeper honesty with others through the series, “Life’s Healing Choices.”

I want to invite you all to a CELEBRATION March 7, 10:30 AM, at Thompson Valley High School. (This is an all-church worship event.  Normal services will not be happening in Berthoud or Loveland on Thursday, March 4 and Sunday, March 7). This is the finale of “Life’s Healing Choices,” but also a celebration of all that God has been doing in our midst.  You are invited whether you have been involved in this series or not.  We will be celebrating baptisms and sharing a meal together afterwards.  FREE FOOD!  We are not asking for you to bring food, but could use some volunteers to help out with food set up, clean up, and serving. Contact the office if you would like to help serve—or if you would like to be a part of the baptism.  Bring extra clothes if you are wavering!

We are only about a month away from Easter (April 4).  I hope you will pray in advance about who you might bring with you (regular worship schedule at both campuses).  I’m already working on a message that I think will be compelling for those who are not yet followers of Jesus.  If you would like to be a part of a creative outreach to families, you are encouraged to become a sponsor of the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday (April 3) or volunteer to serve.  If you are a business owner, there are some creative opportunities for you to get your company name out at this event. Last year approximately 1500 participated.  Contact the office if you are interested in involvement.

We are welcoming two new members of the Board of Trustees at Grace Place: Jodi Walsh and Clarke Stoesz. Jodi and Clarke have demonstrated commitment to the Lord, to Grace Place church, and to ministry leadership.  They are welcome additions.  We also want to thank Gary Hamor and Lani Gerst who have retired from the board after multiple years of service—pouring out prayers and energy for the Lord and his people.  Thanks Gary and Lani!