Prayer Week, Easter Surprise DriveThru, Strengths 101, and more
R E V E L A T I O N 2 : 8 - 1 1
As I’m writing this, it is the 2022 Winter Olympics. It’s fun to see athletes compete and win prizes, although not all will earn one! These athletes have worked extremely hard to earn the chance to attend the Olympics and earn a prize.
Our passage today was written to the church in Smyrna, which was famous for its athletic games. The trophy for the champion was the victor’s crown. Jesus says in verse 10 that we are to “be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown”. I love how Jesus spoke to this church in terms that they could relate to! We all will face trials in our lives, some will bring us pain and suffering, but we must remain faithful to following Christ in our lives and we are promised eternal life. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Although pain is part of life, we do not have to suffer without faith. As we are faithful, we are reminded and comforted that this pain is temporary and Jesus has offered us the hope of eternal life with Him. Good news—that eternal life starts when you accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, we do not have to wait until Heaven to start living life with Him!
While the Olympians work hard to win their prize, we are offered ours for free, we just need to remain faithful (verse 10b).
How can you remain faithful during your suffering? Take time to talk to God (pray) about your pain and ask Him to give you the strength to persevere.
P A S T O R R A C H E L Z E I G L E R
This comes from the Lenten Devotional Guide put together by Stillmeadow Nazarenes for your personal time with Jesus. Each Sunday features a “Family Guide” that households can use together. Pick up a guide on Sunday or sign up to get the daily devos in your inbox at the button below.
Be encouraged by our messages from this weekend:
Stillmeadow Lane Campus-Pastor Josh Kleinfeld
York City Campus-Pastor Jade Frederick
Prayer Week: April 11-15
We will conclude our Lenten Season with Prayer Week Services on April 11-15 at 7PM.
Monday-Wednesday services will be at York City Campus.
Thursday-Friday services will be at Stillmeadow Lane Campus.
Each night will feature a different prayer focus.
IF: Table
Ladies! If you attended or did not attend the women's IF: conference, come be with us on Friday, March 25th at 7:00 at Stillmeadow Lane when we will kick-off IF: Table by gathering in groups around the table, talking, studying, connecting and growing together. Any questions and to RSVP contact Tabitha Martin at tabitha.martin@gmail.com
Romanian Mission
Do you know what happened in 1992? Well, listen to Jon’s message to hear how God started something in Jonathan in York that is continuing in Romania to this day. Also, tune in to hear how God is mobilizing his people in Romania to minister to their neighbors and welcome Ukrainian refugees.
Stay connected to Jonathan on Facebook or send him an email.
Support him by selecting “Missionary-J. Phillips” here.
Support the Ukrainian refugees by giving here.
Strengths 101
Discover your key strengths! This class will take place Saturday March 26th, 8:30AM-4PM in the Sprenkle House Ground Fl. Email pastorkent@stillnaz.com for more information. You can register for this class below or by texting “Strengths” to 717-444-8161.
Free Books and Upcoming Building Transitions
Over the past two years we adjusted our building usage to the COVID pandemic and discovered new ways to more effectively use the building God has given us on Stillmeadow Lane. To provide greater security and flow for our children’s ministries, we have moved all children on Sunday mornings to the east side of the building. We have moved Sunday morning youth ministry to the center of our building and have moved adult worship to the west side of our building, the Family Life Center. Our staff and the trustees of our board are working together to update the building, so be on the watch for updates!
As part of the building transition, we are downsizing our library and giving out free books! Thanks to Lynda and Jeff Phillips for their faithful work with the library over the years and through this transition! The books will be available through Easter.
Parent Volunteers Needed
We are in need of parent volunteers to help with slicing Pretzel Sandwich meats on Sunday, 3/20 following the morning services. Your time goes towards the profit for your child. Contact Jennifer Stough (717) 495-5368 or timnjennifer@comcast.net to confirm your availability.
Responding to the Russian war against Ukraine
If you missed the message from last week, here are a few ways to trust Jesus and support the Ukrainians through these troubling times.
Condolences To…
Deb Ludwig & Family-Her husband Steve Ludwig passed away March 11.
John Gunnett & Family-His sister, Lori Kadilak passed away March 9.
Glen, Heather and Heath Grim-Glen’s father, Heath’s Grandfather, Glen Grim Sr. passed away February 20.
Steve and Betty Babinchak —Steve’s brother John Babinchak passed away February 17.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Josh and the Stillmeadow Team