Wow! What a beautiful time of the year. Spring is a glorious reminder of the beauty of new life. Gorgeous flowers and green grass are symbolic of the fresh start we have through the shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time on earth as a person of the flesh. Our hearts break and our eyes become misty with tears as we recall the horrific details of his death on the cross. I am literally brought to my knees in thankfulness as I realize his sacrifice was so I could escape the punishment for my sins!

Satan thought surely he had finally won as he watched Jesus die on that Old Rugged Cross, however, God had other ideas. On that blessed Easter morn God rolled the stone away from the tomb and Jesus walked out. The grave clothes fell off and He exited the darkness of the grave into eternal life.

Praise Be to God!! That new and everlasting life is available to all who simply repent and asks for it.

As I write this, I’m practically beside myself with excitement over what I’m positive is a glorious and exciting future for our church! Thursday evening we had our first Church gathering to informally discuss "Where we are, where we want to go, and how to get there"! Attendance exceeded even my hopes and the participation displayed a genuine love for our church and how we could be the best we can be for Jesus. Many great ideas were discussed which I’m confident will lead to Rockland reaching new heights in Making Disciples for Jesus.

My contribution was a vision, hope, and dream I’ve been wrestling with practically since my arrival on July 1, 2006. Although it’s not new to the church, I feel an overwhelming leading of the Holy Spirit to use the rear section of our "Auction Building" for a community Youth Center.

After much discussion I an now totally convinced this is indeed a vision from God. I have absolutely no doubts whatsoever that we’ll see it open at some point early this Fall. However, it will clearly require every member of the Rockland family joining hearts, minds, hands, and resources in an exhilarating venture of Faith. God expects his people to attempt great things for a great God. If it’s God’s vision, He will provide the wisdom and necessary tools.

My faith assures me this will happen but we’re still in the discussion mode at this time. I’ll keep you posted as to progress on all that was brought up at the meeting. Our plan is to make these gatherings a quarterly event.

Well, I need to close this and call it an evening. We have exciting worship services planned for the Easter season. Good Friday and Easter Sunrise are community times together. Our Maundy Thursday service and Easter Sunday worship will be experiences you will not want to miss.

Listen, friends! Jesus who was dead and buried is risen from the dead! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! My hope and prayer is that you and yours have the most blessed Easter ever!

Please keep our church in your prayers as we step out in faith to be what He wants us to be!

In His Service,

Pastor Jack