From The Workshop

There’s the big celebration and then there’s what comes next!
 
First the celebration. What a wonderful Easter Sunday. We began worship with two baptisms. While Jenna read the statement of baptism, Jerry Black entered the pool to receive and baptize his great granddaughter, Clarissa Champion. 
Then it was my turn to receive and baptize Brock Clifton. At the same hour Alex and Avery Lane entered the waters of baptism to join with their mother Lori Lane in their new life at Edmond First Christian. We welcome them all in this next
step of Christian life.
 
I am always amazed at all the joyful work that goes into these special worship services. Koren and Amber Treese supplied the “first communion” for the newly baptized and all of us. Kristi knew where to find Bibles and where the First Communion Cups (from Israel) hide. Learning that the vendor would not supply the Easter breakfast ordered, Tami Wheeler, Amy Love, and the Fellowship Team hustled to provide a delicious casserole table with sides, as if it were planned. With rain and more on the way, Mary Beth and her team hid Easter eggs “everywhere” and then escorted our “special guest” to visit all the children. 
 
More behind the scenes as Richard and Beth Ingram cleaned the entryway flower beds and put in new color. Later Bud Jones knew the procedure for filling and heating the baptistry waters. Richard followed up checking the temperature (very important!) and providing sound for the area as well as the whole system. Elders Don Brunts and Leslie Shaull escorted the baptized to their dressing areas (very important!). 
 
And then there’s the choir, the musicians, the Praise Team all rehearsed and providing the Hosanna’s. We are grateful for the “work” they provide for worship both this Easter and every week. 
 
What comes next?  Holy Cow listening sessions. With our complex survey responses in hand, we will continue “the work of Easter” as we sort through  
1)  Where the congregation has been
2)  What we have learned from our past (both our strengths and our anxieties)
3)  Where God’s Spirit is leading us
We do this by listening  — listening to each other, listening to the Spirit of Jesus
 
This is holy work and it’s detailed. This is the work of Easter, living the resurrected new life.

 
See you Sunday,
Pastor Tom