Friday, April 18, 2014

Good Friday and Easter

It's been a powerful Good Friday so far in the East End of Pittsburgh. I had the privilege of walking once again in the 5th Annual Prayer 4 Peace March in Homewood. We had another great crowd turn out this year to pray for our city!


This has been a meaningful event on Good Friday for each of the past five years. Transformation is a process that takes time. So many urban outreach efforts fizzle out in cycle of one and done programs led by people who give up when things get too difficult or inconvenient. Yes, transformational urban outreach is difficult, but one of the best things that leaders and people who support local outreach can do is continue to show up and be present over the long haul. A lot has happened in Homewood since I first started joining the work that is going on here, but I am so glad that God has given me the strength to stick with it even when it gets hard. I'm thankful that the church where I serve as a pastor, North Way Christian Community, continues to be present in Homewood year after year. It's important to be focused and to partner with the work of the Holy Spirit that is going on through so many amazing leaders in this part of our city.

I'm looking forward to the Good Friday worship service at North Way East End this evening at 7pm. It's important to be active in our city in terms of prayer and integral mission, but it is also important for the church to gather to worship God, preach the word, and to encourage one another on in the journey of following Jesus. The focus of the service tonight is all about honoring Jesus Christ. Pastor Freedom Blackwell will be teaching the message. Then, we'll gather back together at North Way East End on Sunday morning at 9am and 11am for Easter worship services. I can't wait to teach live on Easter Sunday! It's shaping up to be an amazing last couple of days of Holy Week here in Pittsburgh. I'm praying for all of the other churches and pastors in our city this weekend! I'm expecting God to do big things in our city. 

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