The Hope of Easter

  by Pastor Larry Bennett

It is the most important day of the year for us as Christians -- Resurrection Day -- Easter! A day when we gather together to celebrate the reality of a risen Savior. It will be a tremendous day with praise-filled music and a message from the word of God.

But is Easter just for one day each year? Certainly it has to mean more than just songs of praise and a message from a pastor. What does Easter mean?

Easter means hope for eternity. Jesus Christ rose from the grave. He is alive, and therefore one day all of us who know Jesus Christ as our Savior, will go to be with Him forever. This life is so temporary -- sixty, seventy, possibly eighty years -- then comes an eternity with Christ!

Easter means hope for death. We will all one day face that great enemy: Death. However, just as death could not hold Jesus Christ, neither can it hold us. Paul states that reality in 2Corinthians 5:8 and that we "prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." The very moment we die, we enter the presence of Jesus Christ. At that time there is no more pain, no more struggles, no more disease, no more heartache. That is what Easter is all about. It is a celebration of Christ's victory (and ours) over death.

Easter also means celebration of our hope for life right now -- today! Jesus Christ, our resurrected Lord, now reigns as the ruler of the universe. Satan doesn't rule, neither do other people or problems. Only Jesus Christ does. That gives us hope for life. He will direct our steps, handle any problem that may arise, and take care of life. We always sing the song Because He Lives on Easter. Do you remember the words? "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives."

Easter is a celebration of hope. Why not invite someone to join you this Easter as we celebrate the hope that Easter brings.

In Christ,
Pastor Larry Bennett

March Sermon Topics

The Chapel Choir Cantata

Sunday, April 7, 2002

Presented during the 9:00 and 10:30 services. Please invite family and friends to experience the richness of this musical as we offer our praise and worship to Jesus Christ -- the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8

Annual Chapel Bloodmobile

Tuesday, April 23, 2002 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
at The Chapel in North Canton

Once again The Chapel in North Canton will be hosting a Bloodmobile on site in the Family Life Center, through the Aultman Blood Program.

Whenever we host a Bloodmobile, we need to supply help in the following areas:

• At least 25 to 30 blood donors from The Chapel

• Cookie donations

• Nurses to take vital signs

• Volunteers to serve refreshments

• Walkers to assist donors

Please give prayerful consideration to being a blood donor. Your "gift of life" will provide blood for those in medical emergencies. It will also provide free blood replacement for any member of our congregation requiring blood usage. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility, please call the Aultman Blood Donor Room at (330) 363-6343.

If you are able to participate in this year's Bloodmobile, please call the church office, or watch for a sign-up form in Sunday's bulletins.

  Daylight Saving Time Begins

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2002

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.
It is also suggested you use this benchmark date as a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Holy Week Services