My message for this edition of the Herald is a little different. I wanted to share some of the wonderful and exciting things happening at our church and note some of the opportunities for this year.

First, as we move into April, there will be “Seder Supper” with the Jews for Jesus organization on April 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the dining room. Ken Wood will also prepare a soup dinner prior to the Seder. I hope many will come and enjoy this special service to kick off our Easter celebrations.

April 10th, of course, is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week or Passover Week. First Baptist will have a Maundy Thursday service, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. and First Parish is invited to attend. Our Good Friday service on April 15th is at 7:00 p.m. and Pastor Douglas Dry of FBC will also be speaking. We are also planning our Sunrise Service for Easter Sunday the 17th at 6:00 a.m., and a Combined Easter Worship service at 11:00 a.m.

On Sunday April 24th, Rev. Bob Le Roe will be filling in while I’m away. A special Outreach guest, Amirah, will be sharing at both services and will have a table in the Vestry during fellowship time so everyone can get to know about this amazing ministry combating human trafficking.

Our church has again been undergoing substantial renovations. The bathrooms on the third floor and main floor bathroom are nearly complete; and we are continuing our work towards the renovations of the third floor. The church Sign Committee is nearing completion pending Council and church approval of a new sign for the front of our building. This would be an LCD, graphic capable sign that will be helpful in the coming years as people walk and drive by the church.

A church yard sale will be held on May 14th. The Festival by the Lake will take place this year on June 11 and our church will also take part again where there will be many opportunities to reach out to the community. The July 4th parade is to be held in Wakefield and the Movies by the Lake, and let’s not forget the Band Concerts on the Common.

Other news concerns the search for an Associate Pastor. At this year’s Annual Meeting, funding was approved for an associate minister. FPCC is now seeking and associate pastor to work with young families in our church and to be involved in outreach to other young families in our communities. This person will work closely with Christian Education and be helpful in working with our children, their parents and potentially new families through outreach.

I would ask all our church family to be in prayer for all these projects and coming events and asking God how you might get involved. Praying that God would lead and guide us as we continue to move forward seeking His will and plan for FPCC!

Pastor John