his past Sunday was a day of "Firsts" for Hillside Christian Church. We began having an early worship service at 8:00 am for the first time at our current location. We were blessed with excellent, enthusiastic crowds at both services. It was very helpful to have room for more in both gatherings and yet still have plenty of worshippers for a fine uplifting meeting. We praise the Lord for the blessings and growth He has provided. We intend to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of anyone who is seeking Jesus Christ and a place to worship Him.

Our study in both services was on the calling of Mathew and the "new wine" Jesus brings to every life He is in. In the ninth chapter of Matthew's gospel Jesus taught that knowing Him as Savior causes change that cannot be confined in old lifestyles or ways of thinking. To really be transformed by Him requires us to be let Him alter all our attitudes and actions. If we try to control what we let the Lord do in our lives we will have inner conflict constantly. We have to give up control to our loving Savior to fully experience the life of better things He has for us.

We experienced another first by having a record number of students in Sunday School. We praise God for having more in classes than we had in worship a few short years ago. This attendance reinforces our need for more education space so we are anxious to begin construction of the planned classroom addition. God has given us opportunities and we intend to use them to His glory.

This coming Sunday evening we anticipate having a great drama presentation from the SMSU Christian Campus House in Springfield. This group of college students and staff travels to area churches and presents relevant skits dealing with life and faith. Their work is always excellent. The program coming up will deal with family struggles and solutions. They will be at Hillside for the evening service at 6:00 pm, May 4th. This is a family program geared to all ages.

Let this spring season be a time of "new wine" in your life. Don't settle for the same old power, or lack of it. We believe that Jesus has the abundant life for everyone who seeks Him. We'd love to help you know Him and learn from His life and sacrifice through His Word.