NEVER FORGET!
MEMORIAL DAY is known by most of us as the "Unofficial Start of Summer!" School lets out, pools open, vacations start, cookouts crank up, and more. There is a feeling that is free and easy. Fun! Freedom! But honestly it is so much more. And it does relate to Freedom. Our Freedoms that were paid for by the ultimate price - lives.
Do you have any family or loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom? My Grandmother's first husband was killed in the trenches during battle in World War I. And I had an Uncle who also paid the price in a later conflict. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868 commemorating the sacrifices of lives lost during the Civil War. Graves of soldiers from both the North and South were decorated with flowers on this spring day. In fact it was first called Decoration Day. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. This made Memorial Day a National Holiday that is focused on remembering and soberly honoring those who gave the ultimate gift, sacrificing their life, so that we may experience the freedoms that we love and often take for granted. At 3 pm on Memorial Day Monday, folks are encouraged to pause in silence to honor these heroes. And, in the words of President Lincoln, ensuring "that these dead shall not have died in vain."
And we know that our Ultimate Freedom that gives us Life comes from the ultimate sacrifice given by our Savior, Jesus Christ on the Cross. And Victory over Death was sealed three days later when the rock rolled and He walked out of the tomb. This is the ultimate Truth that sets us truly Free.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
This Memorial Day, be thankful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And for the One who made The Sacrifice that gives not only Freedom, but Life!!
This Sunday Patti and I will be visiting our FCC Family, Ms. Carol and Cindy, in Arizona. Mark Long will be leading the Bible Study Sunday morning and Michael Card will be bringing the message in Worship. It is going to be a great morning! And next Sunday, Patti and I will be back home at FCC. I have asked Ric Escobar to share with us and bring the message. Again, a great Sunday. If you're traveling, like the Blounts, the Atkins, and the Castles, and thousands of more...be safe, have fun, and make great memories. If you're having a "staycation" - enjoy. Either way, I encourage you to pause on Monday and thank our Heavenly Father for the incredible Freedoms that we experience every day and for those who gave their lives so we can. And Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)
April Ministry Matrics:
Average Sunday Worship Attendance: 50.
Tithes, Offerings, and Gifts: $6,658.97
God is doing Great Things at and through FCC!