We made it through yet another winter full of challenges and surprises but for myself, one of the greatest surprises we had was the snow storm. Coming from the North Georgia area, I am accustomed to occasional snow and ice in the winters, but truth be known it has been about 7 years since I have experienced it. I was shocked to hear the weather report of the coming snow storm, in of all places, Savannah Georgia.
What a great moment it was when we woke up on the morning of January 22, 2025 to find the yard and trees covered with ice and snow. Binx, the cat took a walk outside moving slowly and carefully unaware of what this white frozen stuff was on the ground. Though she moved with caution, she exhibited an excitement in her attitude as she explored heaven’s blessing for the first time. Isabell however, ran out the door screaming “YAHOOO!” as she crunched through the frozen tundra of the back yard.
Those cold and grey days of winter tended to bring about a little gloom for us all, but that is not to say there wasn’t a surprise or two along the way, especially when we chose to view life with the lenses of hope and
expectation. Like the unexpected snow storm, which brought forth both anticipation and excitement, our life seasons will be filled with God’s acts of love and mercies along the way. The prophet Jeremiah, while reflecting over his own life and struggles came to a profound realization about the mercies of God and declared “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Winter is over and Spring has arrived and we were not consumed! Signs of new life will be seen in the budding of the dogwood trees and flowers bursting from the ground. As the activities of our neighbors increase, they
will slowly step outside into the newness of life much like Binx, the cat did in the snow, with both caution and excitement as they begin to explore the new season. It’s not difficult to experience God regardless of the seasons because His compassions are new and never fail daily, so walk with hope expecting miracles to abound!
Pastor Tommy
April 3: Rusty and Michelle Denhardt
April 6: David Whitfield
April 8: Autumn and Michael Venturelli
April 13: Hogan Cribbs
April 15: Mackenzy Lane Wells
April 19: Kim Kersey
April 23: Theresa Stafford
April 24: Knox Cary
April 29: Ryder Cary
KIDS’ POWER HOUR
April 6: No Kids’ Power Hour (Communion Sunday)
April 13: Autumn Venturelli
April 20: Autumn Venturelli
April 27: Autumn Venturelli
APRIL COMMUNION SERVERS
Linda Mosley and Wilma Strange
The Alpha Leadership Board will meet Sunday, April 27 at 5:00 pm. This will cover the April and May board meetings. It is very important for you to be there if you’re on the board.
We will be NOT having the monthly Men’s Ministry Breakfast due to Palm Sunday. Join us next month on the 2nd Sunday of each month for food and fellowship.
We are excited for the 2025 Bloomingdale Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Night, Tuesday, April 15 6:00 – 9:00 PM. We have added a lot of new things to this event. This is sure to be fun for the whole family. We will be putting out schedules soon for Egg Hunt times and more. Come on out and bring the whole family. We will have 10,000 eggs this year for your little ones to find. That's 2500 more eggs than last year. We will also have prizes, games, train, Easter bunny, and so much more. For the second time, we will have Easter Egg Hunts under the Lights!!! Last year was amazing, and this year is going to be even better.
** We need volunteers to man an informational booth for Alpha Methodist Church at the Egg Hunt. Contact Terry Jones if you are able to help out!
Palm Sunday is coming soon (April 13) and we will be having our annual covered-dish meal and egg hunt right after the service. We need donations of filled eggs for the hunt so please begin bringing those and give them to Susan Ehret or Autumn Venturelli. We’d love to have your donations by Wednesday, April 9 so we have time to find more if needed.
Willene Stone’s Lenten Bible Study on Women in the Bible on every other Wednesday at 1:00 PM during Lent. The remaining sessions are April 2 and April 16. The study will be held at her house and everyone is welcome. Please RSVP to Willene at Willene.I.Stone@gmail.com
A JOURNEY TO HOPE
Join us for a week that changed everything ... and is still changing everything!
Palm / Passion Sunday (April 13, 10:30 a.m.)
Followed by Covered Dish Dinner and Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Morning (April 20)
Join us as we celebrate the Risen Savior!
Sunrise Service at Gravel Hill Cemetery (7:00 a.m.)
Followed by a Church-wide Easter Breakfast
cooked by the men of the church
Easter Sunday Celebration Service (10:30 a.m.)
APRIL 2025
We do not want to remove anyone who still needs prayers, just for the sake of removing people. However, there are several on here that we do not personally know or have not gotten recent updates. If there is anyone on the list who has recovered, please let us know. Again, please do not remove people if they still need prayers! Our prayer life at Alpha is one of our strengths.
PRAISES:
The safe birth of Rhett Matthew Lawler
NON-HEALTH RELATED CONCERNS:
Christians Around the World
Our Nation
Our Military
First Responders
Growth of the Church
Jen Parker and her family
Our Homeless
Ryder Cary
Daniel (Alex) Ehret
CAREGIVERS:
Lois Clements
Shari Harrelson
Janice and Larry Stricklin
ASSISTED/INDEPENDENT LIVING:
Residents of Magnolia Manor
Jazie Ingram
Betty Vickery
BEREAVED:
The Family and Friends of Shirley Smith (Wanda's mom)
