March 2005

“You can do it !!!”

"You can do it!! All Right ! Nice Job ! Great Hustle ! Great Wheels ! Good Hit ! Way to Go !" were all being screamed from the stands as I rounded first base. I had come up with a key hit (first of the night for me). It felt so good to hear the words of encouragement. The great supportive crowd that came to St. Rosa to cheer for the infamous (or was that unfamous) CCC's team was made up of our spouses, kids and moms and dads. At least half the time when I come to bat I leave hearing the encouraging words, "Good try, You'll get it next time." Those words don't sound as good but they are appreciated.

Encouraging words are an important part of what helps us in our life. Half way through the "Forty Days of Purpose" I want to encourage you. Keep on reading and growing, memorizing and moving ahead in your small groups. You can do it! You will be blessed.

As we continue the 40 days campaign in March we are coming up on the weeks of Discipleship and Ministry. We will be encouraged to grow and get involved in the work of the church. I'm already excited about the ministry that is taking place here. It only takes a short walk around our church and community to see how many folks are taking serious the call of God in their life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:18–20,27 "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the Body, everyone of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.--- Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." Every one has a place and is needed. To help us think through what this means on a practical level we are holding a special event.

On March 13th we will be hosting the 40 Days Ministry/Mission Fair in the social hall. Our services will be shorter on this day and you will have an opportunity to determine your gifts and find out where your gifts might be used in God's family. People will be there to help connect your gifts with the needs of the church and community. Many of you signed up last year to help in specific areas and that will be indicated as well.

It's time for everyone to step up to the plate and take a swing. The crowd of witnesses, talked about in Hebrews 12, are yelling from the stands and encouraging us to get involved and make a difference. I hope you'll join the team. God bless you as you dig deeper in your faith and prepare for our Easter Celebration.



Pastor Craig