Here in Raleigh the month of April is usually one of the most beautiful times of the year. We can expect beautiful Spring weather, colorful flowers and bushes and new growth on the trees and in our yards. The month is even more special when Easter falls in April as it does this year. For Christians everywhere, Easter remembrances and celebrations remind us of our belief in the Resurrection and encourage our faith. Thanks to three special pastors, we will be able to participate in several special worship services.
For our Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday 11:00am worship services, we are happy to welcome Rev. Charles Allard back to our pulpit with his special messages for us. Risa and the choir are preparing some special music to add to our worship.
During Holy Week, Dr. Tom Ogburn will lead a special Maundy Thursday service titled A table, a towel, and a basin. This will be held at 6:30 on Thursday, April 6. Since traditionally this was the day Jesus and his disciples held the “Last supper” we will remember this with a communion service. There will not be any Wednesday night services that week.
Reverend Grant Gubbins will be leading the community Sunrise Service this year. As in the past few years, we will gather at 6:30 on Easter Sunday, April 9 in the mausoleum chapel at Raleigh Memorial Park to celebrate the resurrection. Please plan to attend and invite others to come also. Please note there will be no Sunday School that day, but Rev. Allard will be with us at 11:00 for a joyous Easter service.
Dr. Tom Ogburn will teach our Wednesday night Bible Studies on April 12, 19 and 26 with When Jesus Prayed as the theme. This study will invite us into intimate moments of prayer with Jesus so that as we watch and listen, we might discover how to grow in the depths of our own prayer life.
Then he will be our guest speaker for the remaining Sunday morning services in April. The sermon topic will be In the Shadows of the Cross looking at three post resurrection story from the gospels. Each brings us words of hope, challenge, and encouragement.
Dr. Tom Ogburn has been the pastor of Westwood Baptist Church in Cary twice. In 1990 he was the church planter and first pastor, and returned in 2018 as senior pastor. Tom is a graduate of Campbell University, Southeastern Baptist Seminary and earned his doctorate from Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University. He has also served as a pastor in Knoxville, Tennessee and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and as a missionary to Thailand. His wife of 35 years, Beth, is also an ordained minister and they have two adult children. They are preparing to move to Virginia where he has accepted a position with the Baptist Association in Roanoke.
I hope you will be present for these special Easter services. I expect they will be a blessing to you.
Barbara Best, Deacon Chair
