Baptism
The Chapel Digest - APRIL 2024
On Sunday, April 7, we are celebrating baptism at Christian Chapel. Baptism is an act of obedience, an opportunity for believers to publicly express their new life in Christ, and an act that connects us with other believers. If you would like to be baptized please email info@christianchapel.com or visit christianchapel.com/baptism. If our next baptism date doesn’t work for you, we would love to schedule another opportunity!
Baptism is an act of obedience. After his resurrection, and just before his Ascension, Jesus gave us the Great Commission. This is one of his final and most direct commands for us. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus tells us that baptism is expected for every believer when he says, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Baptism is not optional. It is not restricted to new believers or young believers. If you are a follower of Jesus, and you have not been baptized, you need to be! It is part of Jesus’ plan for your life.
Baptism is important because it creates a moment for us to identify as followers of Christ and members of the community that he has created. In Romans 6:2-4, the Apostle Paul writes, We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Paul tells us that baptism is a significant spiritual milestone because it represents that we have died to our old way of life and have been raised to new life in Christ. When we are immersed in the water, it symbolizes that we have been completely submerged in the forgiveness and new life that Jesus offers. Baptism reinforces the sufficient nature of the resurrection life Jesus shares with us.
When we are baptized, it is an act of obedience and a profound spiritual moment. It is also a moment for community celebration. Baptism unites us with Jesus and other believers who have also received his new life and obediently followed him into the waters of baptism. This means that Baptism Sunday is a big deal for all of us, not just those who are being baptized. We all celebrate obedience to Jesus, we are all reminded of his sufficient salvation as we witness baptism, and we rejoice that others are continuing to join us in this supernatural experience of new life in Christ. I love every Baptism Sunday, and this week provides us another opportunity to celebrate!
Chris Dow
Lead Pastor
Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, and signifies our own spiritual rebirth.
- Max Lucado in He Chose the Nails -
Spinal Injury
Submitted by Matt Thoene
I was part of a dance team with my friend Taylor Pride. A couple years ago I had an accident while practicing one night and I was left with a lower back injury. I was unable to bend down and had to be very cautious when walking. Driving was painful. I couldn't turn my head, or my torso very well, even when sitting down. Standing up straight took effort and made me tired.
Many movements created a shooting pain that went all the way up my back, to the base of my skull, and would then spread over one side of my head. I had so many appointments and treatments over the course of a couple years that I felt as if I had exhausted my options for healing. Surgery seemed to be the only option, but I did not even want to discuss that.
Over the span of two years, I slept on the hardwood floor in my apartment to keep my back straight and comfortable. I had to lay on the floor each morning just to get dressed and then roll sideways to grab onto the coffee table so I could stand up. For two years this was my life. I lost the ability to do many of the things I loved.
One night a friend invited me to church. At the end of the service there was a call for prayers for healing. I slowly walked down to the front with others.
While at the altar someone began to pray for God to heal anyone with injuries to their spine. As they prayed, I felt my spine snap sideways, straighten out, and move back into place. It felt as if all the nerves had suddenly untangled. I both felt and heard these changes.
The next day a couple friends stopped by my house, and I showed them how God had healed me. I could bend over completely without pain, I could move freely. I could place both hands flat on the floor while standing.
I was able to rejoin my friends enjoying the activities that I loved. I had been completely and totally healed after 2 long years of suffering.
COMING UP THIS MONTH
SUNDAY Morning Services - 8:15AM, 9:30AM & 11:00AM
Wednesday, April 3rd
5:15pm - 6:30pm I Family Dinner
6:30pm - 7:30pm I Adult Groups I YOUTH ALIVE - TO THE MAX I Chapel Kids I Nursery [see groups]
Sunday, April 7th
8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am I Donut Sunday
9:30am & 11:00am I Baptisms [get baptized]
10:30am - 1:30pm I Spring Carnival [sign up to volunteer]
6:00pm - 8:00pm I Home Groups I Chapel Kids I Nursery I Chapel Youth D-Groups [get involved]
Wednesday, April 10th
5:15pm - 6:30pm I Family Dinner
6:30pm - 7:30pm I Adult Groups I Chapel Youth I Chapel Kids I Nursery [see groups]
Saturday, April 13th
9:00am - 3:30pm I Chapel Women - Spring Breakout [sign up]
Sunday, April 14th
9:30am I Next Steps Group (Learn More & Get Involved at Christian Chapel) [sign up]
12:15pm I Next Gen Connect (Free Lunch for 18 - 30 year olds)
Wednesday, April 17th
5:15pm - 6:30pm I Family Dinner
6:30pm - 7:30pm I Adult Groups I Chapel Youth I Chapel Kids I Nursery [see groups]
Friday, April 19th - Saturday, April 20th
Chapel Youth - Spring Retreat [sign up]
Chapel Kids - 4th and 5th Grade Retreat [sign up]
Sunday, April 21st
12:15pm I Next Gen Connect (Free Lunch for 18 - 30 year olds)
6:00pm - 8:00pm I Home Groups I Chapel Kids I Nursery I Chapel Youth D-Groups [get involved]
Wednesday, April 24th
5:15pm - 6:30pm I Family Dinner
6:30pm - 7:30pm I Adult Groups I Chapel Youth I Chapel Kids I Nursery [see groups]
Friday, April 26th
5:00pm - 8:00pm I Chapel Youth Missions Babysitting Fundraiser [sign up]
Wednesday Night Schedule
Join us for a family meal served on Wednesday nights, starting from 5:15pm - 6:30pm.
Adult Groups, Chapel Youth and Chapel Kids run from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Nursery is available.
MENU
April 3 - Team Candi
Sweet 'N' Sour Meatballs
Teriyaki Rice
Honey Garlic Green Beans
Egg Roll
Chocolate Chip Biscoff Cookies
April 10 - Team Marilyn
Greek Chicken Salad
Greek Rice
Hummus & Pita
Greek Yogurt w/ honey and walnuts
April 17 - Team Flo
Lasagna
Olive Garden Salad
Garlic bread
Dessert
April 24 - Team Marilyn
Man Pleasing Chicken
Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Mixed Vegetable Casserole
Rolls
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Good & Beautiful God - Book Based Series
Leaders: Greg Davis; Jake & Diana Sutton
Room: 220
Description: Based on the book by James Bryan Smith, this group will discover, discuss and practice spiritual exercises that are both surprising and refreshing, while helping participants match up their personal ideas about God with what Jesus Himself reveals about God.
Joshua: Taking Ground
Leader: Nichole Wilkinson
Room: 221
Description: This group will travel with Joshua and the Israelites across the Jordan into the Promised Land, celebrating the faithfulness of God to do what He says He will do. Participants will discover the faith, obedience and courage it takes to lay hold of all that God has promised them in Jesus.
Christ Centered Parenting
Leaders: Amy & Dave Beiler; Mike Buie
Room: 222
Description: All Christian parents want to know how to raise their kids in a God centered way. This group focuses on practical tools to parent in a way that honors God and points their children toward Him. Topics include Godly parental leadership, consistent modeling of faith, open communication and disciplining with purpose.
Grief Share
Leader: Karol Miller
Room: 223
Description: Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. We want to help you find encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend.
Life of David as told by his Wives, Friends and Children
Leader: Sarah Taylor
Room: 224
Description: King David lived a storied life. For all of his success, he was not without his flaws. This group will explore David's life through those who were closest to him, looking to see what we can learn from each of them and most importantly what we learn about God from David's life.
Estudio Bíblico: Creer
Lideres: Valdemar & Sobeida Arguello
Ubicación: 225 (segundo piso)
Descripción: Viviendo la historia de la bíblia para ser como Jesús: Un estudio bíblico para hispanohablantes.
Financial Peace University
Leader: Rachel Buker
Room: 227
Time: 6:00* - 7:30
Investment: $80.00 per family unit
Description: FPU has helped thousands of people beat debt by teaching a scriptural mindset and plan for our personal finances. If you are looking for guidance with reducing debt, saving and practical help with budgeting, this is the group for you.
Conquer Men's Group
Leaders: Jordan Crandell & Scott Beasler
Room: 228
Description: Every man needs a battle plan for sexual purity. The Conquer Group will equip you in your mind and heart while helping you walk in the freedom God intends. You will learn proven principles & scriptural truths that will help you and others you share these truths with.
Meet A Missionary
Jim and Meg Thacker - Missionaries to Madagascar
Jim and Meg Thacker began their missions journey as Christian Chapel members. They have been missionaries in Africa for thirty-two years and currently serve in Madagascar.
Jim and Meg raise and train influential leaders and pastors through pastoral training centers and bible schools. They equip men and women to plant churches in the unreached and strategic areas. Their students have planted twenty-two new churches in the last three and half years. Some of those new churches have been planted in predominantly Muslim areas.
These new churches engage in outreach and ministry that result in many people hearing about Jesus and surrendering their lives to him for the first time. Church planting is changing lives, families, and communities. The stories of transformation are consistent and inspiring!
Meg also trains children’s ministry leaders to work in existing churches and new churches. She is working hard to equip the next generation of children’s ministry workers in Madagascar. This emphasis helps the churches focus on continuing past their founding generations.
The Thackers also work to help new and existing churches grow and find stability by constructing new church buildings. These tabernacle style churches are built quickly and efficiently. Each new church can hold up to three hundred people. Since 2014, the Thacker’s have built twenty-two new churches. Their goal is to build twenty more churches over the next four-years.
When you give to Kingdom Builders, you’re a part of making all of these ministry moments possible. Thank you for your faithful and sacrificial giving. It’s making a difference! Before you move on with your day, please take a moment to pray with the Thackers that every Madagascan will know and love the name of Jesus.