Pastor Harvey's Blog

Dear Living Stones Family,

As you know, tomorrow we have our big Easter gathering at Lawlor Events Center at 10 a.m. I am really looking forward to worshipping the risen Christ with all of you in one place at one time. Just wanted to drop you all a note to remind you of a few essentials for tomorrow.

1. Pray. Over 2,000 invites have gone out in the past couple weeks, along with a billboard on the freeway. Friends inviting friends, family co-workers, neighbors and schoolmates. It is essential that we pray, not only for our own souls to encounter the risen Christ, but pray for the hundreds of people who don't know salvation in Jesus who will be there tomorrow. Pray against the attacks of the evil one as he schemes to keep these people away from church and from hearing the gospel message. Pray for the band and the technical crew, the artists, and volunteers and pray for me as I preach that I may be able to make the message of the gospel clear and compelling.
2. Be hospitable. Often times people's ears are not open to hearing the message of the gospel until the gospel people show the care of Christ to them. Go out of your way to help people find seats, show people around, introduce yourself, invite people to your community groups.
3. If you are a parent of a child who is 5 years or younger, you do have the option of taking your kids into childcare, but if you do, remember that those who are volunteering, also volunteer not to go to church on Easter so that they could serve you. Thank them. And if possible, bring your children into the service instead so that we can keep the number of volunteers in LS Kids to a minimum. If you're worried about your kids paying attention and being quiet enough, consider a few things: there will be music, there will be a dance, and the sermon is only 20-25 minutes. Also, at the Welcome, I'm going to mention the fact that kids are joining us for Easter celebration and that we should rejoice even if they make noise because these kids are being raised under the influence of the gospel. So, you don't have to worry about it if your kid makes noises or talks too loud or is somewhat distracting. It might be a good idea, though, to sit somewhere towards the back with your kids, just in case you need to make a quick exit. Another good idea would be to bring your kids a bag with crayons, coloring books, books to read or give them a quiet game on your phone to play, that doesn't make noise.
4. In preparation for tomorrow, read for yourself one of the crucifixion and resurrection accounts from one of the gospels. We will be covering John's gospel tomorrow, so you might choose Matthew, Mark or Luke.
5. Pray.

Love you and look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord with you.
Pastor Harvey

p.s. - pray.