Southside Church of Christ

Krista and I want to thank each one of you but realize that many words of gratitude will probably go unsaid so I want to take a moment here. For each of you who have taken time to pray for me, encourage me, send a thoughtful card or help finance my treatment I am deeply deeply grateful. These past few months haven’t been easy ones for me, but I am so hopeful about the future.
The treatment I went through in Santa Fe, New Mexico should be the beginning of my road to recovery. It’s expected to take a year or more to experience complete relief from the pain but I am already enjoying some early benefits of the treatment and new way of living that it calls for.
Thank you for the role you played in making it possible for me to find help. I am deeply deeply grateful.

April 6 – Good Friday
Model Seder (Passover)
with Josh Sofaer 7 pm

No charge for admission, but a free-will love offering will be taken at the presentation. Seating is limited, sign up at the Welcome Center.

April 8 – Easter Sunday
Easter Breakfast – 7 am
Three Worship Services:
8-9 am             Traditional
9:30-10:30 am         Blended
11-12 pm         Contemporary

There will be childcare all hours for nursery and preschool. There will be no regular Sunday School classes. Wiggle-kits will be available at the Welcome Center.

Romans 3:23-25a (NLT)
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.

What an incredible promise for those who have given their lives to Him. God hasn’t given up on you. In fact, He has been working far harder than you know to give you hope, purpose and a wonderful future. Don’t hesitate in placing your trust firmly in Him.

Early in February I had the privilege of taking a group from Southside to Israel. One bit of information that was seen quickly turned into a useful life lesson. It is this: Israel as a geographical location has little to nothing going for it. They have no natural resources to farm or sell. Without creative irrigation a significant portion of the area is desolate. And yet it was chosen by God for His people…and when God chooses something for His people it doesn’t matter how impossible it looks. Quickly, what looks desolate becomes fertile and beautiful.

God does that with us. He takes what can look impossible and places His blessing upon it. And when His blessing arrives it’s startling how rich the fruit. God tells us that when we are weak His power is clearly seen. We are told to be strong and full of courage, that our refuge is in Him. And we are reminded in 1 Peter that we are a chosen people. Chosen by Him. For His purposes.

Isn’t that a great reminder? No matter how impossible things may look, God can bring health and beauty. Place your trust in Him. And the more we remind ourselves of this truth the more often our emotions will stay in step as well.

Krista and I are so richly blessed to be serving the Lord with you.  The last couple months have been exciting at our house with the arrival of our baby Cora and so many of you have gone far out of your way to help us out.  For all the phone calls, cards, meals and gifts we are very, very grateful.

Acts 2 tells us that the early church was a model of generosity and giving.  I see so much here at Southside that encourages me with reminders that God’s same Spirit is working here.  Thank you so much for the love you have poured on our family.

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On February 12th at 11:45 the Elders and Pastors will be available in the Worship Center to answer any questions about the 2012 budget.  All are welcome to attend this meeting.

Right now my home is filled with sounds we haven’t heard in a few years: the cries of a new born baby. What a beautiful thing. A new life created uniquely by The Almighty.  So many choices are ahead. So many opportunities and dreams. A little girl custom crafted for God’s own service.

I think that’s something we all long for: to have our own hopes renewed. To know we bring a smile to His face.  To have a lifetime of dreams to live out.

The psalmist wrote:
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and make me willing to obey You. Psalm 51

Starting over. Renewed innocence, health and purpose.

I love that the psalmist’s prayer was answered. Not only for him, but for each of us who find our identity in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

When we belong to Him.

This year I pray that you know to whom you belong. The One who formed you as an infant. The One who gave you breath and never abandoned you. The One who gifted you with ability and personality. The One who continues to see great worth and purpose in you.

Find your fresh start in Him. Feasting on His Word. Immersed in His service. Living with renewed purpose for the One who really matters. The One who believes that your days really matter as well.

Aaron and Krista are the proud parents of Cora Brielle Wolgamott, born December 17 at 12:17 am via C-Section. She was 6 lbs 5 oz and 20 inches long with a full head of dark wavy hair.  Abigail is excited about her new baby sister!

Aaron and Krista would like to thank everyone for their prayers throughout the pregnancy and delivery process.

Congratulations Wolgamott Family!

This is the time of year where we are often reminded to be grateful.  In the craziness of a hectic season we are encouraged to slow down and remember the Lord.  That seems like a perfect theme to suggest specific notes of praise for what He has been doing, what He is doing and what He will continue to do.

What are you grateful for?  Have you made a list?  Have you shared it with the Lord?

Here are some of the things on my list:

I’m grateful for how He has blessed my family.  How my wife and daughter continue to grow in their love for Him and how He is blessing us with a new little girl who should be born sometime this month.

I’m grateful for how He has blessed our church.  Twenty six baptisms this year.  Nearly four hundred people worshiping with us on an average Sunday.  Hundreds taking seriously what it means to be disciples of the King.

I am grateful.  And humbled.  That He would work among us and love us.  What an honor it is to be alive.

I pray that you will chose to take time to make a list as well.  Share it with your friends and family.  Most importantly, share it with Him.  Because He certainly deserves our gratitude.