Showers of Blessing…are you kidding me? 
This Sunday was one of the hardest rain storms I can remember with the exception of hurricanes. I could not blame anyone for hunkering down, sleeping late, and watching your favorite television pastor. For those who did brave the downpour, I pray your cup was filled with His Spirit…not just rain water! Showers of blessings were the order of the day.
First Blessing I give thanks for: The Parent Child Dedication. What a beautiful sight when our Father blesses us with new life. We celebrate with Ron and Jill Cipriano who brought their precious Amelia James, born January 13, for dedication. Amelia’s big sister, Anna, was present to participate in the dedication as well. Then we had the pleasure of praying with Randy and Tula Hilyer as they dedicated little Zoe to the Lord’s care and grace. Seeing big sisters, Kiki and Yianna, reminds us of how the Lord has blessed this family as well. Thank you for being a church family that welcomes and provides for such blessed additions. Our preschool and children’s volunteers make JIBC a place families desire to bring their children. May we always serve Him with excellence as we reach this beautiful generation.
A second blessing you might not get to see is the Celebrate Recovery Ministry. This past Sunday night, we had 50 adults in attendance and 10 children. Ten of them were from the Charleston Center. It was very tender to see them ask for “seconds” of the salad, so they could take some back to the Charleston Center to eat later. Thankfully, we had seconds to give them! We are grateful to The Crab House, Kickin Chicken, Stono Café, and our own Kitchen Team for providing a wonderful meal for this group. Celebrate Recovery meets every Sunday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This week we met early to help provide training for a sister church interested in beginning a Celebrate Recovery Ministry at their church campus. I pray they will be successful.
The third blessing is yet to come…Passion Week. I am looking forward to the Good Friday service, a more contemplative service of reflection and remembering. Join us this Friday at 7 p.m. for readings from the Gospel of Mark, worship focused around Christ’s suffering, and Communion in remembrance of Him. As we say…it is Friday, but Sunday’s coming. This Sunday is the Easter Celebration. We have at least 8 baptisms planned. We will have the annual “flowering of the cross.” You are invited to bring flowers from your yard (or a neighbors!) to place on the cross that will be located in the front of the worship center, to the right of the stage as you are looking at it. It is always a beautiful display.
Showers of blessings? Of course. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
See you this weekend, good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
