DEACONS' CORNER - April 2025
As
Spring slowly emerges and we begin to thaw out from one of the coldest winters
in recent memory, we also continue our preparations for the observance of
Easter Sunday. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the keystone
of our Christian faith and is emblematic of God's amazing love for us through
victory of life over death and thus the redemption of humanity.
Apart
from this spiritual aspect, the arrival of April is a time of renewal and
rebirth for our earth, awakening and generating new life all around us. As
followers of Christ, the events and themes during the month of April should
encourage us to deepen our faith, share God's message of salvation with others,
and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
The
members of our APC family strive to live this concept as witnessed by your
awesome response to the Deacons' March bake sale benefiting the Open Door
Mission's
Code
Blue shelter operation. Between a rescheduled baked good sale and the Super
Bowl “Pizza Kit” sales we were able to raise over $1,000 for the Mission. Thank
you, bakers and buyers! I am sure that the homeless who found warmth and
shelter at the Code Blue facility are thankful for your generosity.
If
you missed the March 30 sign up for the annual CROP Walk, scheduled for April
27, there will be a second registration day on Sunday, April 6. If you aren't
able to walk you can still collect donations from friends and family. Remember
that APC receives a percentage of the total amount pledged.
Also,
during the first week of the month we will be sending cards to our college
students as well as members serving in the military. Please be sure that we
have your student or military members' mailing information so no one falls
through the cracks!
On
April 13, we will be delivering potted plants to our Friends at Home. In case
you are unaware, the FAH program is the Deacons' way of letting our elderly
members know that they are on our minds and in our hearts. If you have a friend
or relative living either alone or in assisted or elder care, please be sure
that we are aware of their situation and have an address or contact information
for them.
The
Deacons wish each and every member of our church family a blessed and happy
Easter season. Your faithfulness and generosity are a reflection of your
devotion to Christ and your willingness to give to others. Keep in mind that
giving isn't always about money or things. Rhonda Byrne, author, creator and executive
producer of the film “The Secret” wrote: “Give the best of you everywhere
you go. Give a smile, give thanks, give kindness, give love and give without
expectation of return”.
Tom Genovese for the Deacons