Brownsboro First UMC
by The Elliotts

We were blessed with visitors this week and enjoyed Greg Fried's song. The entire service was great! Our college kids were home for the weekend; it was good to see them again.

Justin is recovering slowly and hopes he will be able to attend church and school soon. Thank you all for your prayers for him.

It continues to amaze me how God can continue to love us that are so unlovable and undeserving of His attention. We are truly blessed to be dealt with through His love and not how we deserve.

Ernest told us in his message that what we are is a gift from God, but what we become is our gift to God. I don't know about you but I feel my gift to God is pretty shabby most of the time.

Happy birthday Gracie, Whitney and Ms. Lexa Belle.

Keep the upcoming Ladies Bible Study in your prayers. We should start soon. Our men are planning a get-together at the same time as the ladies Bible study.

We are still in need of a full-time nursery worker. Contact Bro. Ernest at the church if you're interested.

Origin of "Easter":

Often at this time of year, someone asks how Easter holiday originated. Sometimes the historians point to Acts 12:4 KJV where the word "Easter" is used. It is here translated from the Greek word "Pascha" and generally translated "Passover. " (Note such in newer translations.)

There is a weekly celebration, but there is no annual celebration of the resurrection of Christ recorded in the New Testament. The Jewish Christians linked it with the Passover and so observed it on the 14th day of Nisan (April) regardless of the day of the week. However, Gentile believers later celebrated the annual resurrection on the Lord's day.

In the year 325 at the Council of Nicea, it was decided that Easter would be observed on the First Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox (the time when the sun crosses the equator, approximately March 21 and September 22). This is still our method of determining the date for Easter. It will always fall between March 22nd and April 25th.

The name "Easter" comes from a pagan holiday which fell during that time of the year. It is a very joyful holiday with much brightness and tradition observed. From this we get some of our tradition (Easter outfits, decorating of baskets, etc.)

But, the important thing about Easter, Resurrection Sunday, is this: Are you really "in Christ"? Are you living daily for Jesus? If we say yes we believe, then we show it by our fruits. This is not done by worshipping only on special holidays. When we recognize Jesus' Lordship, we'll give Him our worship.

May God bless us all and may we bless Him by always remembering that, TO SHOW HIS LOVE, JESUS DIED FOR US (for me); TO SHOW OUR LOVE (my love), WE MUST LIVE FOR HIM (I must live for Him).