Praise God! I hope you’re enjoying a meaningful and most Holy Week! Last Sunday was an amazing way to begin the week with our annual Palm Sunday “Procession of the Palms” by our children and the celebration of Confirmation for our students. Can you believe it? We had fourteen students publically profess their faith in Jesus and become full members of First Church! It was a historic Sunday as we baptized or re-affirmed baptisms by all three modes of baptism: sprinkling, immersion and yes – by pouring! Special thanks to Kevin Chissoe and Hannah Davis for giving me the privilege! It was my first baptism by pouring ever – in 23 years of ministry – and probably the first time ever in nearly 120 years of ministry that First Church did all three in the same service!

Sunday I spoke about two groups present at every parade: spectators and participants. We can choose what group we fall into by our actions. I’m thankful to have so many active participants in the family of God at First Church! I challenged each of us to consider what we would do this week to make Holy Week different form every other week of the year. What have you done? Have you attended a special service this week? Remember we have our Good Friday Worship Experience tomorrow night at 7:30. Have you invested more time in prayer? Read through the gospel account of Jesus’ final week on earth as the Son of Man? Invited someone to church this Sunday?

I’ve participated in several services (I even got to preach yesterday afternoon at chapel at the Baptist Retirement Center), wore my Guardian cross each day and did something I haven’t done in forever – I was on the radio this morning. Glen Howard invited me to his radio show “Senior Class” to share about our upcoming 120th Anniversary next Sunday April 19 at 10:30am and our ministry in downtown OKC. You can listen to our conversation this Saturday at 4:05 on KTOK at 1000AM.

How are you celebrating Holy Week? I’d love to know. Add your comment to today’s blog. I can’t wait to worship with you tomorrow evening and this Sunday, Easter Sunday! Remember Kirk Norman will be preaching at our Sunrise Service at 6:30 AM, with breakfast to follow and we’ll have two great worship services at 9:30 and 10:45 celebrating our Risen Lord!

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Mark