Dear Fam,

Have you been as captivated as I have by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?  It seems like every hour there are new twists and turns.  Perhaps I’m a news junkie, or perhaps there’s a part of me that really wants LOST to come back.  However, this mystery took on new meaning for me when, watching TV one night, a news anchor said, “There are 239 souls on board” – that’s 239 souls who were created to know God; 239 souls who might never get the chance to hear about Jesus; 239 souls who, no matter what happens, one day will arrive at their eternal destination.  If we can be moved by the plight of people halfway around the world whom we have never met, how much more so should we be praying and fighting for the souls of our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors?  Who do you need to share the love of God with?  Who has been waiting for you to invite them to church?  Who needs to experience the love of Jesus through your mercy and care?  Souls are all around us.  Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” 

It feels like I have been having a lot of conversations lately about Christianity and homosexuality.  I think it is fair to say that it is, and will continue to be for some time, the biggest cultural issue facing the church in North America.  I read a short little book on the topic this week that I found very helpful and would highly recommend to you: Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry.  In this treatise, Allberry answers questions like: Surely a same-sex partnership is OK if it’s committed and faithful?  But Jesus never mentions homosexuality, so how can it be wrong?  Aren’t we just picking and choosing which Old Testament laws apply?  Can’t Christians just agree to differ on this?  What should I do if a Christian comes out to me?  If you’d like, you can order the book in our bookstore this weekend for just $7.

This has been a weighty update so far – time for something light!  I saw a YouTube video this week of a man who lost a bet to his brother, and as a result he had to dance in the middle of a busy intersection for 30 minutes to whatever music his brother chose.  It’s hilarious, but what is most fascinating is that random passersby began joining him and they all ended up dancing together.  Isn’t that kind of like the church?  When you hear the music of the gospel it makes you want to dance.  But it isn’t nearly as fun without others who are willing to dance with you!  Enjoy watching here.

The Americana Folk & Hymn Festival is fast approaching – March 30^th.  Chad gave me the inside scoop on some of the pieces you can look forward to hearing: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise to the Lord the Almighty, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.  You won’t want to miss it. 

There were many folks from Seven Rivers who were involved in putting on the first annual “Beast Feast” last night at Rock Crusher Canyon.  It was nothing short of amazing: eat meat and the funds raised go to feed the hungry in Citrus County.  I got to try buffalo sliders, gator ribs, whole hog, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken fingers, and more.  The best part was, I was being thoroughly Biblical!  After all, when the Lord showed the apostle Peter in a dream a sheet full of animals he said to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

Robyn and I were sobered this week as we took our little “baby” Karis to an open house for the new preschool.  She will start there in the fall in the three year-old classroom.  It was exciting to walk through the partially constructed building and envision all of the children who will learn about animals, the alphabet, and Jesus.  Whenever we drive by and Karis sees it she says, “They’re building my school!”  Last year SRCS enrollment was at 360; this year it is at 400; next year it is projected to be at 460.  Can I encourage you, not just for my daughter’s sake, but for the sake of all the children who’ll be flocking onto campus, continue to be faithful in giving your MORE campaign pledge.  We know that in truth it’s God’s school, He’s the one building it, and He has been pleased to use us to accomplish it.

Parents of preschoolers, do you need a date night?  MOPS is hosting one next Thursday, March 20^th at 7:00pm in the Florida Room.  Free food, free childcare, and I’ll be speaking on the topic, “Marriage Heaven” (my wife just laughed when she read this).

As part of worship this weekend we’ll do something churches have done for centuries all over the world: recite the Apostle’s Creed.  Here’s a great article [LINK] on the creed by Rev. Ray Cannata, friend of Seven Rivers and son-in-law to members Joseph and Marie Lounders.  Ray Cortese will be preaching on Matthew 13:53–14:12.  It won’t be the same if you’re not there.

Grace,

Brandon Lauranzon