April 2, 2017 It’s Not a Joke! I know yesterday was “April Fool’s Day,” and it’s not today. Believe me, being around kiddos all day, as well as, a bunch of practical jokers, I know yesterday was April Fool’s Day. But in 1962, April 1st was on a Sunday and as was our family custom before leaving for church, we would scan the Houston Chronicle. All of us had our specific sections…but what the Texas Magazine insert contained was anxiously anticipated. And there it was…we could not believe it…the San Jacinto Monument had collapsed and was broken into 5 or 6 pieces stretched out across the battlegrounds! You must be kidding! Say it isn’t so! How in the world could it happen? There was a long and extensive explanation, and then came the closing sentence, “And this is the Houston Chronicle’s way to say, ‘April Fools!’” I fell for it! They “got” me! But it was a joke! Now let’s look at what’s not an April Fool’s Day joke. There was a little baby, born to a virgin, lying in a manger. He was worshipped by angels, kings, and shepherds, and as he was growing up, he increased in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man. He taught in the temple, healed on the Sabbath, raised the dead, uncovered the sins of many, and then forgave them. There were no April Fool’s Jokes! He knew what the religious leaders were thinking and he called them out. He even called them hypocrites! He, also, stepped out more boldly and told them the Gentiles had a better chance of heaven than them! They didn’t like that so they killed him…just like that. Boom! It was over…so they thought! No April Fool’s Jokes here! On the 3rd day he rose from the grave and then came back for a period of 40 days to talk to his disciples, to teach his disciples, to eat with his disciples, and walk through a door to meet with his disciples. No April Fool’s Jokes here! The summary and point of this bulletin article is quick and easy…with the Houston Chronicle…I fell for it! They “got” me! But it was a joke! With Jesus…I fell for Him! He “got” me! And it.is.not.a.joke! Blessings…Larry D. and Lou Ann Mission Statement Seeking & Sharing God’s Love, Truth, & Grace Family Shepherds, Robby Robinson, Jr. - 281.798.6244 Chairman (April - June) Danny Clancy Frank Devine Carl Greer Rob Harmon Greg Hughes Terry Montgomery Alan Pence Robby Robinson, Jr. John Sawyer Ministry Staff Mike Avery - Youth & Family David Duncan - Preaching Shawn Freeman - Youth & Bridge Jo Harmon - Children Rob Harmon - Education Robert Heyen - Involvement Alan Martin - Marriage & Family Larry D. Phillips - Congregational Care & Outreach 900 Echo Lane Houston, TX 77024 713-464-0271 www.mcoc.org Deacons Judson Anderson Brad Archer Benton Baugh Bryce Baxter Mike Bitting Tim Blythe Danny Bowers Bill Burdette Aaron Deister Joel Dickinson Bron Fore Bill Gordon Kevin Gordon Mike Haley Peter Herb Greg Hurst Jason Hutchins Bryan Johnston Bert Leach Jeff Maddox Paul McCormack Tom Messick Bob Muckelroy Kelley Peace Corky Pence Wade Price Justin Robertson Steve Sawyer Jimmy Schaper Craig Schuster Chris Shanks Ray Thompson Larry Vickrey John Watkins Ed Wilson Jap Wolfe “ Memorable Phrases ” 6 p.m. Service - David Duncan John 3:16-17 “I __________________ you.” It’s nice to be __________________ … It’s better to be _________________________. Matthew 28:18-20 God could work __________________. He could use ______________. He called us because He _____________ us. The relationship has __________________ when we have _____________________. __________ wants all of us. Poor - Wealthy Sick - Well Grieving - Rejoicing Young - Old Popular - Forgotten 2 Peter 3:8-9 God is willing to ______________ while He waits for us to ______________________. If I come to God, how will He ________________? Ephesians 2:1-10 Do I ____________ God? Morning Worship Services Robert Heyen - Song Director - Craig Schuster 8:20 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Song: No Tears In Heaven .............................. 882 Welcome Psalm 147:1,4 Song: Great Are You Lord ............................... * Song: All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name ... 162 Song: God Of Wonders .................................... * Prayer: ................. B. Steinhauer/Rob Merchant Song: Beautiful Lamb Of God ......................... * Clayton Hamby - Communion - Lance Rodgers Clayton Hamby - Contribution - Lance Rodgers Song: God Is The Fountain Whence ............ 117 Song: Blessed Jesus ..................................... 218 Scripture: Matthew 14:6-11 J. Chappell/M. Reynolds Sermon: “Grieving Like Jesus” .......................... Song: When My Love To Christ Grows Weak ... 350 Shepherd’s Prayer: ........................ John Sawyer Song: Jesus, Hold My Hand ......................... 412 “Grieving Like Jesus” 8:20 & 10:30 a.m. services David Duncan How can we _________________ like Jesus? Matthew 14:13-14 How He Grieved: Spent time ___________________ Used ________________ feelings to do ____________________ things. John 11:32-36 John 11:38-43 What did Jesus do? He _________________. He hurt. He did _____________. Matthew 23:37 What was He grieving? His own people were __________________. Jesus ________________________________ to deal with grief. He didn't hide his __________________. He understands our __________________. Will I allow Jesus to help with my _________________? Evening Worship Service Song Director - Craig Schuster 6:00 p.m. Song: Lord, I Lift Your Name On High ........... * Song: How Great Thou Art ............................ 76 Song: Holy Ground ...................................... 100 Welcome Prayer: ..................................... Blake McKaskle Song: Wonderful Story Of Love ....................... 286 Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-12 .............. Casey Hixon Sermon: “Memorable Phrases” ......................... Song: I Need You More ................................... * Shepherd’s Prayer: ........................ John Sawyer Song: Salvation Belongs To Our God .............. * Communion will be served in Rm. 141 immediately after this service for those unable to partake this morning. Are you looking for a way to introduce your friends to Hope for Haiti's Children? Invite them along to a Rebuilding Hope Breakfast Event! Spend a morning with us and enjoy the following: Creative & heartfelt videos featuring HFHC current & future projects Great fellowship while enjoying a hearty, complimentary breakfast Information on how to become a HFHC Partner The Houstonian Hotel 111 North Post Oak Lane 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Register at hopeforhaitischildren.org/join-us/rebuilding-hope-breakfast or visit the QR code. Larry D. Phillips Congregational Care & Outreach Minister