Issue #12 - April 2007

Minister's Message

On a rare occasion, I come across a book that I believe everyone should read. Night by Elie Wiesel is one such book. However, I will be the first to admit that I put the book out of my mind for almost two years. Denny first introduced me to this book about the famous Holocaust survivor. However, I dodged the book as often as I could because the topic truly is a saddening and discouraging one. About four weeks ago, I could get around it no more. I must admit that I had run out of interesting stuff to read (I even caught myself reading the Louisa phone book one day ... seriously). Night happened to be on sale at Target for $7.20 plus tax; this is a real bargain in the new-book world.

Anyway, I took the book home and placed it on the nightstand beside my bed. Even after purchasing it, I still was not sure that I wanted to read this tale of suffering and untold cruelties. Something moved me to read the first page. Night is one of those books that is truly hard to read and hard to put down. I finished it at 1:20 am the same night.

In this book Elie Wiesel recounts his time in a Nazi work camp at Auschwitz. He recalls his experiences and how he managed to survive. However, he also tells the stories of the millions of people who did not survive.

My reaction to the story was the same as most people's: horror, disbelief, sadness, and a sense of loss. I felt guilty for the small things I get upset over and worry about. I suddenly remembered how good my own life is and the many things I take for granted.

However, I had one reaction to the book that I did not count on. I was amazed at how easily Adolf Hitler and his conspirators convinced millions of people to go along with the genocide plans. I was in disbelief at how much the German leaders and military seemed to enjoy their torturous roles.

Regrettably, it seems easier to convince people to do wrong than to do right. This is not always the case, but just often enough to be disheartening. Despite all of humanity's positive characteristics, we seem so bent toward sinfulness and selfishness.

Lent is a time to consider our sinfulness and how very much we need the forgiveness that is offered to us through Jesus. Night reminded me more than any devotional that I have ever read how much we need forgiveness.

~ Matthew

Stepping Up

The acolytes in our church really do a great job every Sunday of reading scripture, lighting the candles, and processing in with the service. However, it takes a good deal of work to make sure that they are ready to go and stay organized.

Thankfully, Maxine Shifflet has offered to help with the acolytes. If you have any questions about the acolytes or need some help, Maxine is the lady to turn to.

All of the acolytes and their parents/grandparents are encouraged to introduce themselves to Maxine. She is such a wonderful lady. We are thankful to have her here and fulfilling this position.

Coach Mark Fischer

Mark Fischer at Louisa Christian Church

Recently, Coach Fischer from the Louisa County High School came to talk to the youth at the Community Youth Night. His message was very positive and he showed us why Louisa has taken to him so well.

Coach Fischer told the youth that they are reaching a point in their lives where they are going to have to start working really hard for whatever they want. Along the way, each person will have to make a lot of decisions in their lives. When it comes time to make that decision, only one question matters: will this help me or hurt me?

He had lots of great advice for the kids: Try to set the example, don't be the example. Work hard in school. Pay attention to what people try to teach you. When it comes to football, school, or whatever it is you want to do, leave you problems behind you. Don't let your past and your struggles drag you down.

If your kids or grandkids were not able to hear Coach Fischer, then pass his advice on to them.

Board News

Possibly, the best board news that we have to report from the March meeting was that it was one of the shortest meetings in recent memory. Things are running pretty smooth in the church. Thanks to everyone who came. See you in April.

Recent board news:

Schedules

Acolytes

April: Shawn L. - David S.
May: Abbie S. - Corey S.
June: David S. - Amber W.
July: Katelyn P. - Jack P.
August: Andrew P. - Amber W.

Nursery

April 1, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton
April 8, 2007 ... Need help
April 15, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton
April 22, 2007 ... Need help

A Great Joke

A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17 before next Sunday."

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."

Lectionary

April 1, 2007
Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-40
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

April 8, 2007
Easter
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
I Corinthians 15:19-26
John 20: 1-18

April 15, 2007
Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 118:14-29
Revelation 1:4-8
John 20:19-31

April 22, 2007
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21: 1-19

April 29, 2007
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30

Take a moment and read these scriptures each week!

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Youth Activities

Worship

Sunday School every Sunday at 10 AM
Worship Service following at 11 AM
Prayer Service each Wednesday at noon

Every Wednesday we offer a Bible Study at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:15 PM

Louisa Christian Church
P.O. Box 1344
104 Elm Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093

www.louisachristianchurch.org

Rev. Burnette: 540-967-4884
Email

Rev. Ricks: 804-683-3537
Email

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