"Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness, let the earth open, that salvation may spring up and let it cause righteousness to sprout up also, I the Lord have created it." Isaiah 45:9

Have you seen the commercial on TV that says how people should do the "right thing"? Can you imagine what kind of world we would have? The popular definition of doing the "right thing" is one who is upright, just, straight, innocent, and sincere. It is commonly understood as the "product of upright moral action in accordance with some form of divine plan." We are experiencing the lack of these traits in our country as evidence in the daily news. How wonderful it would be to have our earth showered with righteousness as plentiful as our recent rains. Jesus assures us in Matthew 5:6 that this could be possible for "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Righteousness is a gift of the Holy Spirit and all we need is to believe and pray. Righteousness is God's divine plan.

The congregation recently welcomed Sean Little as the Praise and Worship leader, but last Sunday it was announced that he has accepted the full time position as Youth Director. Sean has worked in several positions in student ministry, teaching Bible studies and planning youth oriented activities. Sean is married to Lindsey and together have three children. Sean will continue with leadership in the Praise and Worship service each Sunday at 8:30 a.m., so come join him next Sunday.

The Joy Jinglers performed "My Lord, What a Morning" last Sunday. The bell ringers this year consist of Kaylee Lambert, Sarah Stokke, Jenny Burch, Camryn Johnston, Lyric Patterson, Joseph Cherry, Cub Griffin and Tommy Pollard. The Joy Jinglers range from the 2nd to the 5th grade. Some of the youth bell ringers also play with the Friends in Faith ringers that played in Rev. Luckert's Church last month.

The 30-Hour Famine will start this Saturday. The youth will camp out in Fellowship Hall, and spend the hours in Bible study, prayer, games and other activities. Following Sunday services they will be treated to a feast. The purpose of the fasting is to bring awareness of world hunger. Please give a donation toward this mission to Mr. Little or Mr. Taylor, or come by the Church office. Monies collected for this mission will be given to the World Hunger program.

Friday, April 10th, will be the Good Friday musical drama "At the Ninth Hour" in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m.

This is a wonderful way to start the Easter weekend, so plan on attending and bring all your friends. The choir has been working very hard to bring us this unique inspiring program.

The children's Easter Egg Hunt will be Sunday, April 12 during the Sunday school hour. If you would like to donate plastic eggs and candy, the collection boxes are in Fellowship Hall, or during the week you may drop off your donation at the church office.

The passion of Christ drama, "The Liberator," presented by the St. Boniface Catholic Church, will be performed at Lake Palestine UMC Amphitheater this Saturday and Sunday nights, April 4th and 5th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and join this spiritual program. You will be blessed.

Please remember to place on your calendar "Blood Drive" April 10, from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. in the Youth Center of Fellowship Hall.

Happy Anniversary to Dan and Mickey Saxon, Joe and Carolyn Hendrix, and Tony and Jerry Keating. Happy Birthday to: Levi Oliver, Sue Hogan and Pam Patterson.

Thought for the Week: The World's idea of righteousness is self-righteous perfection. God's idea of righteousness in the hopeless, lost, humble, loving sinful sinner who knows he needs God!" (Author unknown)