WHY IS EASTER SO IMPORTANT?

Circuit Rider April 2012 WHY IS EASTER SO IMPORTANT? St. Paul's United Methodist Church 714 Herbertsville Road Brick, NJ 08724 Billions of people will be celebrating Easter. Why? What's the big deal about it? When Jesus Christ rose from the grave after being dead for three days, it did two things: It proved who Jesus was; It validated what He taught. Jesus made some incredibly outrageous claims while He was here on earth. He said things like "I'm perfect... I'm the savior of the world... I'm the only way to Heaven... I'm God." "Jesus said, `I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to God the father except by means of me.'" John 14:6 No religious leader ever made that kind of claim. No other leader claimed to be God. Jesus said "The way you'll know that I am who I say I am is I'm not going to stay dead. I'll come back to life after three days in the grave." He doesn't say, I am a way. He says "I am the way." There are a lot of people who will say, "I believe Jesus was a good teacher." There's only one problem with that. He didn't make that claim. He didn't claim to be a good teacher. He claimed to be God. If He wasn't who He said He was, He wasn't a good teacher. He's a fraud. When Jesus made statements like "I'm God" He's either who He said He was or He was the biggest fraud who ever lived. Did you ever wonder why they crucified Jesus Christ? They crucified Him because of what He claimed. He claimed to be God. The religious leaders had two options. Either fall down and worship Him or kill the guy -- get rid of Him. There wasn't any alternative. So rather than worship Him, they killed Him. The only problem was He didn't stay dead. Three days later He came back to life. There's some humor in the Easter story. Can you imagine being a religious leader? You've publicly executed this guy in front of thousands of people. Everybody knows He's dead. He's in the tomb. And three days later you bump into Him on the street! The Bible says that the Romans put a large stone in front of the tomb and they put a seal over it and they put a 24 hour guard around it. They were only postponing the inevitable. He said, "I'm going to come back to life." The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a matter of public record. This was not something done in secret. It was big headlines in the Jerusalem Times. The whole city knew about it. Eventually the whole Roman Empire knew about it. It was big, big news. Jesus was publicly executed and three days later He's walking around again. There are at least 15 incidences in the Bible alone of what Jesus did after He came back to life. He walked around Jerusalem for awhile, He talked to people, He ate with people. They touched Him. One time He spoke to over 500 people. This was common news. Even if you don't accept the resurrection as a historical fact, do you realize you use Jesus Christ as a reference point every single day of your life? Every time you write out a check, every time you write down a date i.e. April 10, 2012 -- 2012 years from what? The birth of someone who came back to life after they were dead for three days and buried in a tomb Jesus the Christ.

It is the most significant event in history. It split all of history into A.D. and B.C. It's the most important event in history because God came to earth, walked around, and to prove He was God He was crucified and came back to life and walked around some more. Jesus, by resurrecting from the dead, not only proved He was who He said He was but it validates what He said was the truth. Jesus is the Son of God who came, lived, died and rose from the dead for you and me. He conquered sin, death and the grave out of love for you and me. I invite you (especially if you have never invited Jesus into your life) to pray this simple prayer Father thank You for Easter that proved Jesus was who He said He was and that it validated what He said about life. Thank You, Lord, that You have a plan and purpose for my life, that You want me to know You personally, that You can forgive all my sins and I can start over. Forgive me, Lord and help me get grounded in your truth and life. Help me grow In Jesus name I pray.. Amen. See you in Worship, Pastor D. Maundy Thursday Upper Room Communion 7:30 PM April 5 th Good Friday Service 7:30 PM April 6 th EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES April 8, 2012 6:30 am Sunrise Service Brick Reservoir 8:00 am Traditional Morning Worship 9:30 am Traditional Morning Worship 11:00 am Contemporary Morning Worship Don t miss these opportunities to worship the Lord Ribbon Crosses The ladies of Lydia Circle have made ribbon crosses, which may be used as bookmarks or keepsakes, for the Easter Season. They will be available for a love offering between services in the Narthex and outside Norcross Hall. Proceeds will go to the Unified Fund.

CHANCEL CHOIR Presents the Easter Cantata THE JOURNEY St. Paul s Chancel Choir is excited to present its Easter cantata, The Journey, on Palm Sunday weekend, March 31 and April 1, at 7:30 PM. This beautiful musical is an exciting offering from the inspiring contemporary Christian music team of David and Celeste Clydesdale. The Journey is the journey of our walk with Jesus. The writers took as their inspiration the Psalms, or Songs of the Ascent, Psalm 120-134 which were most likely the songs that the Hebrew people sang as they journeyed up to Jerusalem for the great worship festivals. Celeste Clydesdale writes, The same songs sung over 2000 years ago, are still extremely valid today. I sing them as I journey upward in my walk and fellowship with God. I am reminded over and over that there is no ascending closer to God unless I am willing to leave the things of this world behind. Jesus must have traveled and sung these songs many times during His life on earth. His last entrance into Jerusalem was for the Feast of the Passover. This final time, instead of preparing a perfect and spotless lamb, He would become our Passover Lamb.once and for all. We are lead through the story of Jesus journey by one narrator. We are reminded that the road Jesus walked, He walked with purpose, knowing why He came, always keeping His eyes on the cross. We are also on a journey. Keeping our eyes on Christ, our victory is assured because He walked the road before us. St. Paul s Chancel Choir invites you to join us for this exceptional cantata. It includes many contemporary praise songs such as Higher Ground, Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Shout to the Lord, Lord, I Lift Your Name On High, Great Is the Lord, Watch the Lamb and many more beautiful and inspiring songs. It also features dynamic solos and narration, and participation of the congregation. THE JOURNEY is both an Easter celebration and a worship musical. We pray that you will gain strength and courage to abandon all to follow Jesus holy footsteps to higher ground. Please invite family, friends, other churches, and youth to join us for this wonderful part of your Easter celebration.

Youth News This year s 30 Hour Famine will be taking place on May 4 th and 5 th. For any of you who may not know about it, the Famine is a youth group event by which we raise awareness and funds for children who suffer from hunger and hunger related illnesses. One out of every seven people live on less than $1 a day, which limits the life decisions of individuals and families to merely consider how they will survive from day to day. An estimated 24,000 children die each day due to the effects of poverty, disease, and hunger. And perhaps the most staggering fact of all is that most of these deaths are 100% preventable! World Vision seeks to move towards these needs with providing the necessary food and healthcare to children all over the world who suffer from starvation and poverty. During the 30 Hour Famine, teens will go without food for 30 Hours and receive sponsorship donations for their participation in the event. Every dollar will go towards supplying sufficient food and medical supplies for one child, for one day. Every 30 dollars supports that child for a month and every 365 dollars for a year, and so on. Last year, the St. Paul s Youth Group was able to raise $4544.67 in funds that will go towards providing food and medical care for twelve children for one whole year! This year we are also please to support the organization Stop Hunger Now in conjunction with the 30 Hour Famine. We will be hosting an event in Norcross Hall on March 5 th in which everyone involved will take part in preparing 10,000 meals that will be shipped to families in need. If you would like to get involved, please contact me (Matt) at the church office! Why should we get involved in causes such as this? The reason is simple: the love of Christ compels us (2 Corinthians 5.14). When we consider the Christ who went so far out of His way, even to the cross, to meet us in our deepest need, how can we not seek to meet the needs of others? We who believe in the love and power of God in Jesus Christ have the privilege to not only speak about a better world to come; we can show them glimpses of what it looks like by our actions as well! As you pray, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, may you be open to how God may want to carry out His will on earth through you! Whether it is a global cause, a local need, or one individual who needs your help and Christ s love, how might Jesus use you to be the answer to this prayer this month? Bake-Off Thank You Thank you to everyone that participated and made this Bake-Off a success. The bakers, tasters and people that purchased items at the auction and all the workers. Everything was delicious. A special thanks to all for the organization and dedications. Congratulations to Jackie first place judge s choice Congratulations to Diane first place people s choice We were able to raise $955 to go toward our utilize bills. What a blessing. Renee Names on Envelopes We have many families with the same last name in our congregation. To make it easier for the Financial Secretaries to correctly post your donations, we ask everyone to please include a first and last name whenever you donate. Whenever you use an envelope other than the numbered ones for this year it is especially important to use first and last names. Thank you for your help. Nursery for 10:45 Service Are you interested in having a nursery during the 10:45am service? Would you be willing to help in the nursery once a month? If you can help or are interested please fill out the form below or contact the office at 732/458-2080. Name Phone I can help I would use the Nursery for my children at 10:45am service Age of child(ren)

KENTUCKY MISSION TRIP Dianne & Steve August 18-25, 2012 We re in! We re going! Come travel to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky with us! No experience necessary! All tools and materials supplied! Must be at least 13 years old. Let s be God s hands and feet in one of the poorest areas of the United States. Cost: Approximately $200-250 We presently have 10 people going and we would LOVE to have more! Let s show Dianne & Steve the support of their home church! Unable to come? You can still be a part of the team by praying for us while we prepare to go and while we are there. Support us through the fundraising events that will take place. Questions? Call Jim or Claire Senior JOY April Meeting April 12th Senior JOY will be meeting at 12:30 PM in Norcross Hall. Bring a sandwich (beverages are provided) and be prepared to enjoy United Methodist Women Dates to Remember: April 3 Executive Board 7 PM 28 Elegant Afternoon Tea 2-4 PM Baptism Congratulations Congratulations to the parents of Nathaniel who was being baptized on March 18th. Kristen and Eric Elegant Afternoon Tea The United Methodist Women of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Bricktown, request the pleasure of your company for an Elegant Afternoon Tea. On Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2pm - 4pm In Eleanor Norcross Hall at St. Paul's Church Reservations are required Price is $18.00 per person All proceeds go to UMW Missions Tickets go on sale March 25 th Only 160 tickets are available Please join us for a time of true relaxation, an inducement to gentle conversation, music, door prizes, scones, breads, finger sandwiches and desserts. Please see Jan between services for tickets or call the Office at 732-458-2080. Please note that tickets will not be available before March 25, 2012

Marriage Moments -Spring "Cleaning" Brian Collis This will come as no surprise to anybody, but marriage is work. It's hard, it's never ending, but when the work is done, the time invested it is of inestimable worth. It also is probably not a surprise, but the articles I write contain no information that is actually new. I research the topic of marriage all the time, through interviews and radio broadcasts, movies, online articles and books. I take the ideas that really resonate with me, in terms of things I see, people I know, and things that are going on in my own life, and I write about them. I try and give a Biblical perspective or grounding of the idea if it has none, but none of it makes a difference unless some married couple out there reads what I write - and decides to get to work! To that end, I challenge all you married couples - make a commitment to work together on your relationship this month. Watch a movie together, and discuss it afterward. Or read a marriage book together, and discuss each chapter, like a devotional. Here are some suggestions: Books The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Sheet Music by Kevin Lehman The Kosher Sutra (nope. not even kidding) by Shmuley Boteach Sex God by Rob Bell Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch You don't have to take my suggestions; go to a bookstore - make a date of it! - and browse the "Love and Relationships" section and choose one together. feeling adventurous? Browse the "Sexuality" shelves... Movies With movies there is fodder for a good couples' discussion everywhere. From obvious places like Fireproof, and Not Easily Broken, and even in "kids" films like Up, and The Incredibles. The key, of course is TO TALK. Let whatever you do together be a jumping off point for a discussion about your marriage. Be open and honest with each other. Listen intently, without judgement or defense. When you start, reassure each other that anything that is said is because you want to make your union stronger, your love for each other deeper, and resolve to make it so. All the previous Marriage Moment articles can be found online at: http://eccl-4-12.blogspot.com/ 50 Days of Prayer Before and During the General Conference Across the nation and around the world, United Methodists have been commissioned to pray for the elected delegates, members of the Council of Bishops and all the other leaders of the 2012 General Conference. Others will be commissioned each week from now until the Conference begins, using the service available on the GBOD website: http://bit.ly/commission50days. Our first day of prayer is Friday, March 16. If you have not received your free copy of this resource provided by The Upper Room, please get it now through one or more of the means below: 1. On the Internet: http://50daysofprayer.upperroom.org 2. Hard copy available in the office 3. Prayer chain will be sending each day if you currently are not on the prayer chain contact Nancy at penrodt@comcast.net to join. Please join us in prayer each day. Encourage others to participate as well. Together we are praying for God's wisdom and for God s will to be done, in God's way, and in God's time through the upcoming General Conference. Vase Recycling to Benefit St. Paul s Did you get flowers in a vase recently? Don t know what to do with the vases you have from the florist? Bring them in to St. Paul's UMC for recycling and the church can get $1 for each. The Brick Flower Market is offering to recycle clear glass vases and donate $1 for each one they can reuse. Any they cannot reuse they will recycle for us. They prefer vases that were from the last year or two but will look at any we bring in. You can bring the vases to the office or drop off in the container in the Narthex. If you have any questions please call Janice at the office at (732)458-2080

SUNDAY SCHOOL WALK FOR MISSIONS It is that time of year again. Spring has sprung and walking outdoors is wonderful at this time of year! The Sunday school classes will again be walking in order to raise money for Missions. The students will be asking for donations between services beginning the last week of April until the day of the walk on June 3 rd. The rain date for the walk is June 10 th. We are keeping the focus of the Sunday school walk to missions that help children. We will be collecting Pop Top can tabs again to support the Ronald McDonald House in Long Branch, NJ. The tabs may be brought in thru June 3 rd. There is a collection box in the Sunday school Office and beginning in May there will be a collection container in the Narthex as well. The proceeds of the walk will help with children s scholarships for Christian summer camp programs or children and youth going on mission trips. Scholarship applications are available through the Sunday school office and must be returned by June 10, 2011. Please reach out to the Sunday school classes by sponsoring a child (or two) and help them make this Mission a success!! Please look for the classes between services. God bless you for your help. Margery and Kathy ATTENTION Softball Players St. Paul's would like to invite ladies and men to join our softball teams which will begin playing in a few weeks. Men need to be at least 16 years old for the Brick- Pt. Pleasant Softball League, 18 years old for the Monmouth-Ocean Softball League and the age requirement for the ladies team is 13 years old (Must turn 14 during the season (7/31)).. For more information, men should contact Dave or Gary Ladies with any questions can contact Eric. EASTER FLOWERS SALES United Methodist Men will be selling Easter Flowers (Outside by the garage) Starting Thursday April 5 th From 3pm to 6:00pm From 9am to 6:00pm Friday, Saturday Closed on Sunday Delivery of the Flowers Tuesday, April 2 nd - Time: 9:30-10:30 am We need HELP to Unload the Flowers Sign up chart to help sell Flowers will be up in the narthex and or in Lobby in March & April United Methodist Men are now taking orders for Easter Flowers. If you would like to purchase a flower please fill out form below and return with your payment. Form and money can be placed in the collection plate or sent/given directly to Church office attention UMM. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ST. PAUL S UMM ORDER FORM Name: Address: Phone: In Loving Memory Of : In Honor Of: ($7.00) LILY QTY. $ ($4.50) MUMS 4-1/2 QTY. $ ($7.00) TULIPS QTY. $ TOTAL ENCLOSED $ PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE YOUR PLANTS HOME FOLLOWING EASTER SERVICE

April Dinner Night When: April 21, 2012 T ime: 6:00 pm For the kids Where: Norcross Hall Leg of Lamb & Ham Vegetables Salad Bread and Butter Dessert Hot Dogs Mac & Cheese Interested in Becoming a Member of St. Paul s? Recently several people have indicated that they are interested in joining the church. To become a member at St. Paul's UMC we request that you first attend a membership class so that you will understand what membership means. Our next class will be Sunday, May 6 th, 2012 and will be from 2pm to 6pm in the library. If you would be interested in taking the class please contact Laura or call the office. We will keep your name on file and contact you when we get closer to the class to confirm your attendance. If you have any other questions please contact Laura or the office.

St. Paul's United Methodist Church April 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:00 Sunday School rms 2,4,5,9,10 youth 9:00 Adult Bible Study - Library 9:00 Trad. WorshipService 9:00 & 10:45 Childcare- Rm 1 10:10 Fellowship Norcross 10:45 Contmp. Worship Service 10:45 Adult Bible Study Youth 5:30pm Youth Group (Jr. & Sr. High) 8:00 Alcoholics Anonymous 1 PALM SUNDAY 7:30pm EASTER CANTATA 4:00pm Girl Scout trp 1471 Nursery+ 6:00 Cub 33 Tigers Rm. 10 6:00 Cub 33 Wolves Norcross/Rm. 7 6:30 Cub 33 Bears Rm. 6 6:30pm trp 1493 Girl Scouts rm. 8+ 6:30pm Roots - Youth Disciple Group 7:00pm Monday Night Bible Study Nursery Before/After Care 7:30-9:30am 12noon 6:00pm 2 7:00PM Trustees 7:00 Council on Ministries 7:00 Boy Scout Trp 33 Norcross (except 3 rd Tues) 7:30 Safe Place Rm. 6 Before/After Care 7:30-9:00am 12noon 6:00pm 3 7:00PM Financial Peace University Youth room 6:00am Men's Breakfast 5:30 Zumba 9:30 The Quilters 6:00 Daisy trp 352 # 10:00 Ladies Share Grp- Library 6:30 Men s Basketball 1:00pm Staff Meeting 7:00 Carol Choir 4:30pm Cherub Choir 7:00 Celebration Choir 6:00 Handbell Choir 7:00 Bible Study 6:00 Volleyball 8:00 Chancel Choir 7:30 Praise Team Practice Before/After Care 7:30- Before/After Care 7:30-9:30am 9:30am 12noon 6:00pm 12noon 6:00pm 4 11:45 Lenten Lunch 5 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:30 Service SPCS Adj. Schedule 9:00am Bulletin Team Lib4:30pm Daisy Troop #102^^^ - Nursery 6:00pm Black Dragons LaCrosse - Norcross Before/After Care 7:30-9:30am 12noon 6:00pm 6 GOOD FRIDAY 7:30 Service SPCS Closed 7:00 Men s Disciple Youth Room 7 8 9 OFFICE CLOSED EASTER 6:30am Sunrise Service Brick Reservoir SPCS Closed 8:00am Traditional Service 9:30am Traditional with Sunday School 7:00pm Finance Mtg 11:00am Contemporary Service 10 12noon Rebeccah Circle 7:00PM Miriam Circle 7:00PM Financial Peace University Youth room 11 7:30PM Lydia Circle 12 12:30PM Senior JOY 13 6:00pm Pack 33 Pack Meeting 14 6:00pm Fellowship Dinner 15 16 17 7:00PM Financial Peace University Youth room 18 19 20 6:30am Homeless Breakfast 21 8:00AM Men s Breakfast 22 9:30am Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser foe Ed Harmon 23 7:00 PM SPR Meeting 4-9pm BTSA Soccer Pictures 24 7:00PM Financial Peace University Youth room 25 26 27 Setup for the Elegant Tea 28 2pm ELEGANT TEA 29 30 6:30pm Hymnsing Pt. Pleasant Presbyterian 4-9pm BTSA Soccer Pictures