The Sunday after Easter is unique as an inevitable correction to the swell of Easter attenders. However, Christianity is still in Eastertide, so the celebration continues despite the many who have moved on. I preached on one of my favorite subjects – Provision. I know the story from 2 Kings 4:1-7 is an encouragement to those in overwhelming debt that God cares and has provision for them.
We celebrated Jesus! It was satisfying to see new and old friends prioritizing Jesus. Angela Primm‘s anointed voice was a gift to focus us on Jesus. Aubrey McGowan followed the Spirit as he led us in worship, so it was not a superficial Easter celebration. We connected with the heart of God, and he touched us.
For Easter, we will offer three opportunities to worship!
Easter Services #1 – Saturday, April 16 at 6 PM Easter Service #2 – Sunday, April 17 at 9 AM Easter Service #3 – Sunday, April 17 at 10:45 AM
Easter at CIL includes excellent music with the CIL Worship Team and award-winning vocalist Angela Primm. The Saturday option (6 PM) allows families to worship together, providing childcare through age four. The two Sunday services (9 AM and 10:45 AM) have an Easter Egg Hunt for all kids while parents receive ministry. We will celebrate because He’s alive!
We installed Mauricio Barahona as the newest CIL pastor, as he joins our staff as the full-time Student Pastor. Mauricio is 31 years old, married to Renee, and they have two girls, ages 4 and 2. Mauricio has over ten years of youth ministry experience, and he desires to have a long career in student ministry. Mauricio and Renee come to us from Pennsylvania but are originally from Miami. It was great to welcome them to our spiritual family!
My close friend and mentor Dan Scott preached a fantastic message! Dan is such a gift to the body of Christ!
We turned the corner into April this weekend, and I felt like I had a safe message titled, “My Prayers for CIL Church.” However, as I shared seven prayers I have for CIL Church, it turned into a visionary message. The Lord stirred many people for our church’s vision, and I also know the Lord spoke to people about their call and dreams. What an impactful day!
On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Beth Allison preached, and we all enjoyed it so much! Beth is an engaging speaker, and her heart for Scripture really came through this message. This teaching on the Prodigal Son parable has a twist that will make you think, and search your heart.
Spring Break and the start of Daylight Savings felt like a bad combination for church participation, but our attendance was solid nonetheless. I am so thankful for God’s faithful people. Rob Still led us in worship, and I taught a teaching tilted Enemy or Citizen? from Philippians 3:17-4:1. We also squeezed in the annual business meeting in between services. The kingdom was advanced, so we say thanks be to God!
The season of Lent has become an important part of my yearly rhythm as I join the global church in preparing for Easter. This season in the church calendar begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on March 2.
CIL Church will have an Ash Wednesday service at Noon, which includes live worship, communion, and the imposition of ashes. Also, we will open the sanctuary for a come-and-go prayer and imposition of ashes for an hour, beginning at 7 am.
Join us for either or both of these times as we dedicate our hearts anew to Jesus.
Today was another Sunday building the Kingdom of God through His church. AubreyMcGowan gave a challenging message that called for a focus on God’s glory.
Several people became CIL Partners after participating in our CIL Forward seminar. Thanks be to God!
On Sunday, we acknowledged All Saint Sunday since All Saints Day is November 1. This annual recognition continues to increase in meaning as I see more clearly the “cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1)” that surrounds me. Each year, my list of deceased Christian friends grows, so I also want my heart for heaven to grow. The cloud also includes Christians in the past whose stories, songs, and writings point me to Christ today. Our service on Sunday exalted Jesus, the supreme one whom all saints worship.
You can watch the service by clicking below:
October 31 reminds us of all the good things since the Protestant reformation. I have gratitude for access to Scripture, understanding the priesthood of each believer, and a richer grasp of grace. The courage of Martin Luther and other reformers calls us to seek God’s truth continually