Jesus stands as the center of our Christian faith. The old, old story of Jesus is new each and every day. For Jesus is alive in our hearts and midst. We celebrate the cross and Jesus' death for us. We rejoice! For on the third day Jesus rose from the dead to give us eternal life. Jesus is the heart of God. Jesus is the heart of the good news today!

Dear Friends in Christ

We live in an interesting and confusing time. Stability and truth are not by-products of the fruits of our labors but seem to be only myths. Yet, by the grace of God, Christ’s church moves forward with the Word and sacraments. In the Apostle’s Creed we confess that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Yes, the Lord has the final say in times when we seem to have no say at all.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy to encourage and mentor his young colleague:

“1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

God has placed us here and now with a similar charge: preach. . .correct. . .rebuke. . . encourage. These action verbs produce fruits that endure forever.

For the past 16 months Living Springs has patiently attempted to work to fulfill the “careful instructions.” The blessings are apparent. The second Christmas season was blessed with two Christmas Eve services. Our Sunday school is overflowing and we have added new leadership to the music and to the youth program. With the grant from theEast Valley Thrift Store we will add a second worship service. God has blessed us in the past and now we move forward in the name of Christ Jesus.