ith Resurrection Sunday just a few days away our collective thoughts go through some of the striking images that draw us to look anew at God's awesome plan for saving the world. We are at the point in history where we look back to the cross and the empty tomb. We read our Bibles and marvel at what God has done and how He did it. We have the luxury of knowing how Jesus' death and resurrection turned out. As the events in the gospels were lived out by the people then they didn't know and could hardly imagine the scope and power of what God was doing. They experienced the full range of emotions from joy to terror and confusion.

Woven through all these events was God's perfect plan. At Hillside last Sunday we studied some of the ingredients in His plan and some of the personal factors we often overlook. We talked about the real tree that grew and was cut and hewn to form the cross itself. We talked about the lives of those who would learn a trade and make the spikes that held our Lord on that cross. God guided all the ingredients and people involved in order to provide the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Regardless of all Satan's deceit and power he could not keep Jesus off the cross, or keep him confined to the tomb.

Another vital part of God's plan was Jesus' life. Scripture teaches us that even though He was tempted as we are He never sinned. This meant that Jesus could be the unspotted perfect sacrifice. God's plan required a perfect sacrifice and Jesus provided it. God's faithfulness in all these things is truly astounding in the light of our guilt and rebellion. He stuck to the plan because of our need and His love for us. What a God we serve!

We are looking forward to this Sunday morning. Our sunrise service will be at 7:30 am followed by an all-church breakfast. This gathering is always very special and a time of joy as we praise the Father for the empty tomb and risen Lord. During our regular worship time we will have some special choral music provided by a group of Hillside singers.

Beginning the Sunday after Easter we will begin offering an earlier service at 8:00 am as well as our regular 10:30 service. Both services will the same in content and music. If an early service time fits your needs join us for great worship and fellowship.