2 Corinthians 5:11-21 New Living Translation
We Are God’s Ambassadors
11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Prayer
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sermon
Weekly Prayer Request
Gloria Emerson, Kelly Hinton, Dianna Huckleberry, Kathy Kimbrell, A.J. Pitts and The Family of Zehner Vernon.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Lent is a time for self-examination and reflection. It involves praying, fasting (intentionally withholding something you would normally partake in—such as food—for the purpose of creating space in your life for the presence of Jesus), and giving, all in preparation for the coming of Easter.
What are you giving up this Lent to create more space for the presence of Jesus Christ in your life?
Holy Week 2025 Events
- Palm Sunday: On Sunday, April 13, 2025, we will be having brunch immediately following morning worship. Please stay and fellowship with us.
- Maundy Thursday: On Thursday, April 17, 2025, @ 6:30 p.m., we will be having dinner celebration.
- Easter Sunday: On Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be on this Thursday, April 10, 2025, @ 5:00 p.m., and on the following Thursdays:4/24/25, 5/8/25, 5/29/25, 6/12/25, 6/26/25, 7/10/25, 7/24/25, 8/7/25, 8/28/25, 9/11/25, 9/25/25, 10/9/25, 10/23/25, 11/6/25, 11/20/25, 12/4/25 and 12/18/25.
Easter Memorial Lilies: Are available for purchase at $11.00 each. For more details or to place an order, please see Madelyn Ramsey. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, April 13th.
Get Fit Campaign: We are excited to kick off our “Get Fit” campaign with two great opportunities to improve your health and wellness!
Self-Defense Classes: Will be held on next Saturday, April 12 @ 1:30p.m. Taught by a black belt instructor, this class will cover basic blocks, effective striking techniques, movement fundamentals, and other key self-defen se skills. Please wear clothing that you can move freely in. If you plan on attending, please see Pastor Eddie so he can add your name to the list.
Zumba with Suzanne Derengowski: Will be weekly on Tuesday nights starting next month! Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., beginning April 29. Zumba is a high-energy workout that combines Latin music with easy-to-follow dance moves, making it perfect for boosting fitness, burning calories, and improving cardiovascular health. For more information, please see Suzanne.
Marilyn Bunner: A Celebration of Life for our former parishioner will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 8140 Union Chapel Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240.
???? Church Outing to the Indians Game! ⚾: Join us for an unforgettable evening at Victory Field ballpark as we cheer on the Indians on Friday, August 8, 2025. For more information or to reserve your spot, please see John Ramsey.
America for Christ Offering 2025
Gifts to the AFC Offering support American Baptist regions, churches, and community partners across the United States and Puerto Rico by funding grants that a ABHMS awards for a variety of purposes, including:
- Creating new, and innovative ministries
- Developing church leaders
- Aiding children who are impoverished
- Supporting the work of chaplains and spiritual caregivers
- Promoting discipleship
- Making higher education more affordable through scholarships
- In addition: Our church is eligible to apply for grants and our church members for scholarships (both our church and members have received grants).
Please consider supporting this offering.
Clothing Center
The Clothing Center is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Children’s Summer Clothes (size:4 and up)
Blankets
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Boxer Shorts (size: Large and 2X)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
