At the start of each new year, Pastor Tim asks everyone to take a closer look at our community. We are encouraged to slow down, look around, and listen to those around us. Especially those in need. To ask God to help us see those that He wants us to help. During January, we are asked to take the amount of money we normally give to Fresh Wind as an offering and use it to directly meet the needs of others.  

We do not need to look far to see many who are in need. It leaves no doubt that we have many family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and even strangers we pass day-to-day facing uncertainty. They are searching for answers that are impossible to find alone. God is truly the answer. Make a difference for someone by meeting a need, all the while reflecting the love of Jesus from within.

During the Holy Week before Easter Sunday, Pastor Tim asks that we eamine or lives closely. Then place at the foot of the cross one thing that we want to get rid of - to lay it down once and for all. Something obsessive or sinful that stands between us and our relationship with God. That obstacle can be un-forgiveness, jealousy, a food item, surfing the Internet, a TV program... or for that matter TV as a whole. Whatever that thing is, to “lay it down” and not pick it up again.

We are encouraged to bring that item and lay it at the altar of the church. If it is a perishable item, or something we covet but didn’t have, we can bring a letter, picture or drawing that represents it.  We leave those burdens there at the foot of the cross. Our items remain there throughout the week. The church prays for God to give us the strength to let it go. To lay it down and let whatever it was go once and for all. Allowing us to be drawn that much closer to Him.

Come Easter Sunday, all of the burdens of our "stuff" and sin are gone. Completely taken away, setting us free from the confines of this world we live in. We then celebrate together the resurrection of the One who paid with His life so that this freedom can be possible. Jesus' death and resurrection was sufficient to cover any sin of anyone who calls upon Him at any time.

“¹⁷The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.” – Galatians 5:17 (NLT)

“²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” – Galatians 5:24 (NLT)

“²And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” – 1 Peter 4:2 (NLT)

“⁴And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.” – 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)

“¹²So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” – Romans 8:12 (NLT)