Sometimes short Bible verses are the best Bible verses. This is true with the two simple commands of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17; "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing..." That is also our goal and my request of you next week as we lead up to Resurrection Sunday. Many of us lead full and busy lives. My request is that we all intentionally make next week full of prayer and praise. Here's how we will do that together!

• Thursday - 24-Hour Fast - Beginning Thursday evening at 6:00pm, we invite you to fast for 24 hours. The purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves in dependence on God, recognizing our need for Him. Specifically, we want to ask that God bear much fruit in and through our church this Easter weekend.
  
  
• Friday - Communion Supper - On Friday at 6:00pm, we will break bread together in the Fellowship Hall, and also celebrate communion together. Bring bread, soup, or something else to share for this potluck meal, and we will commune with each other and with thanks to God for His faithful provision - especially in the death of Christ for us.
  
  
• Friday - Good Friday Service - After our meal, at 7:00pm on Friday, we will meet in the Worship Center and remember the death of Christ. This year we will walk through the last week of Jesus' earthly ministry, from Sunday to Friday, leading up to His death on the cross.
  
  
• Saturday - Holy Saturday Prayer - Immediately after the Good Friday service, and ending on Sunday morning, we will have continuous prayer in the CBC Prayer Room. Individuals are signing up for one hour of prayer, and the goal is that each hour between the Good Friday and Easter services will be covered with someone intentionally praying for the church and for our celebration on Resurrection Sunday.
  
  
• Sunday - Early Morning Worship - On Sunday morning at 8:30am, before our breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, we will meet for a brief time of song and prayer at the three crosses outside of the Worship Center, so that we may immediately begin the day with praise.
  
  
• Sunday - Easter Breakfast - On Sunday morning at 9:00 in the Fellowship Hall, we will enjoy a simple time of eating together and fellowship. Bring friends and family and/or sign up to bring an egg casserole, and we will share a joyful breakfast together. (Also, at 9:30am, kids will be dismissed for a special Easter morning class!)
  
  
• Sunday - Easter Service - On Sunday, come ready to praise with joy, and bring others to do the same! Our text will be Romans 8:18-25, focusing on the glory of the future resurrection founded in Christ's own resurrection.

Even now, let's pray that the Spirit of God will lead us in service, in prayer, and in worship this Easter week!