1st Baptist Church of Chandler
by Joanne Davis

This Sunday morning our adult choir will be presenting their annual Easter Cantata. I have heard them practicing, and it will be absolutely beautiful. You won't want to miss this spectacular presentation. Then, return on Sunday evening to hear our children's choir do their Easter Musical. Nothing could ever be more beautiful than the voice of a child singing the praises of God. Sunday morning service is 11:00; Sunday evening will be at 6:00.

Easter is just a week away! What a wonderful time of year! Easter reminds us that God is in Control, and even though the trees and gardens have looked dead all winter long, they are now being restored to their former beauty. Easter means new life, both in nature and in our own personal lives. The reminder of Christ's resurrection on Easter Morning gives us all hope of our own resurrection in the end times. Easter is a time for recommitment on our parts to live the Christian life that God desires for us. That means reaching out to others and spreading the Great News of the Gospel. The Great Commission from Christ was for us to go throughout the world, telling others the Good News. Our world begins with our immediate community and its surrounding area. Are you doing your part in that?

Don't forget that Garry Houston will again be hosting a Sunrise Service this coming Easter morning. As usual, he is opening his home to all of us so that we may experience a beautiful service worshiping and praising our Lord as the sun comes up over Tyler. If you have never attended one of these services, I strongly urge you to do so. Easter will become alive in your heart as you hear the beautiful music provided by Bryan Penny and Larry Tedford and listen to God's Word.

The first round of evening services still is growing. Have you enjoyed these services? Would you like to continue this format? Since we had said that this would be a trial for the Spring quarter, we will be bringing this issue up at the April Business meeting. Come express your preferences for these classes. It will be the second Wednesday of April. With both the GAs and the Boys ministries, as well as the youth ministry, joining us for the first part of the worship service, we get to see just how active our church really is. Sometimes we miss a lot of the activity because the various groups are so spread out. Come -- join us at 6:00 p.m. for one of these sessions.

Our pre-teen boys' classes are going strong. How about your pre-teen boy? Is he signed up for this class as well? The class is similar to RAs, but we are not using the RA material. These young men have signed up to be involved in learning God's Word. Never put down the youth of this country; many of them are growing up to be strong, God fearing Christians, so I believe our country will be safe in their hands in the future. As this group grows, we may need to find new space for them to meet for their activities.

Do you have a church home? If not, we welcome you to join us any Sunday morning at 9:45 for Sunday School and at 11:00 for our morning worship. Please come join us anytime. Our Sunday evening services are held at 6:00 and our Wednesday evening services begin at 6:30. We would love to have you join us.