August Letter from the Pastor

Joy is the birthright of the Christian believer. Jesus said, "I have said these things to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). Jesus was the Man of Joy.

The followers of Jesus Christ at COR must be a visible representation of His joy in order to win our Flagstaff community to Christ. Sometimes Christians are characterized as grim and negative. If so, we need to repent. Apparently, we are taking ourselves and this challenging world in which we live entirely too seriously. Genuine joy is the gift of God to real people in our real world. It transcends happiness which is dependent upon optimal
circumstances. Artesian joy springs forth from a heart and life filled with the reality of the risen Christ.

Teilhard de Chardin once wrote, "Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God." May we know joy in our worship for God is present. May we know joy in our serving and witnessing for we represent the Lord. He is present. As we labor in the Lord's vineyard planting Church of the Resurrection may "the joy of the Lord be our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

The growth of attraction must happen as the people of COR gather to worship and serve and as we scatter to our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. The early Christian believers were delirious with the joy of the Lord "and the Lord added to their number daily those who were saved." (Acts 2:47). People were drawn to the joy present in the believer's lives.

Joy to You!
Pastor Bob Norton

It's Time to Celebrate What God Has Done!

Come to this Sunday's Sixth Month Anniversary Celebration! We'll meet for Lord's Day Worship at our regular time of 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of The Lord's Supper. Then, at 11:30 we'll begin our festive potluck luncheon with program and games. Bring the whole family. Our Church of the Resurrection family is coming together and it's time to celebrate!

We had 111 worshippers at our Easter Sunday worship service and the joyous celebration of the Risen Christ was memorable with our first Easter together, Easter is a season of joy as we explore how God gives us the victory in life.

I'm excited about a short Sermon Series I'll be preaching entitled "Rough Edges of the Christian Life" (April 13th - May 4th) addressing the issues of "Overcoming Depression," "Escape from Loneliness," "Dealing with Loss and Grief," and "Resolving Resentment and Anger." Reach out and invite your unchurched friends and neighbors for I believe this series addresses the felt needs of many people. Aren't you glad that the Word of God gives us insights for living as we address where people live day in and day out.

With Freedom & Joy in the Risen Jesus,

Pastor Bob Norton