What an amazing Pageant and Resurrection Celebration season we have had to share the Good News of Jesus and salvation. The Pageant of Our Lord ministered to about 12,000 people, bringing the hope we have in Jesus in ways that were clear and convincing. Pageant is a massive effort that depends on about 300 volunteers who devote themselves to serving. The Pageant teams become such a caring community. It is the place in our ministry where multiple generations join together. In addition to the regular POOL presentations there were two special ones that were so well attended and received. The children’s Pageant had about 800 children and family members. We had the first ever Pageant in Spanish where over 700 were in attendance and heard the Good News in Spanish. Melvin Ardón, with the partnership of Nate Aanderud, did such an effective ministry in spreading the news and inviting people to come. The Spanish Pageant far exceeded our expectations.

We also had two very meaningful Good Friday services. I was involved with the one at in the 290s. The room was filled with some needing to stand. It is so important for us to go to the cross before we experience the joy of the resurrection. Michael Barker wonderfully led us in song. Garrick Hanger and Sam Evans were wonderful partners in sharing the Word from Isaiah 53. There seemed to be a great sense of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

All of this special season climaxed in our Resurrection Celebration services on Easter. We had five services on the main campus plus our Spanish and Japanese services and a service at our Gateway site. Each of our services were full of people, the joy of worship, and the truth of the Gospel. It’s a challenge for us to get so many people on and off campus during this Sunday, but we had an outstanding team who served so well. We have great leaders on our Ministry Team, but ministry at RHCC only happens in significant ways with the hundreds of volunteers from among you who serve so lovingly and so well. Particular note should be given on our team to a few of the key leaders. Kim McLennan our Worship Services Coordinator worked so tirelessly throughout the three weeks. She was key in making the Worship Center and tent so colorful and attractive for worship. Susan Johnson worked tirelessly in coordinating the shuttles, which worked so effectively because of the kind welcome of the shuttle hosts. My own son-in-law Brian Hall worked tirelessly leading the parking volunteers. Brian was there with the two Saturday Pageants that had as many as 15 buses bringing guests. He was also there on Good Friday helping with parking for a very full Pageant and as well as the overlapping Good Friday service. Next year we will separate them by a half an hour so it is easier to accommodate the full attendance at each. Brian with his parking team was here before 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Jesus is surely worthy of all this effort. The need in our world is great, the time is urgent, and God, through His Son Jesus, is so mighty to save. I am grateful for all the ways He gives us to share the Good News and the partnership of hundreds of you who make it possible for us to seize the moment. Next weekend we will all be together in the Worship Center as Pastors Shawn Hurley, Garrick Hanger and I will be sharing our annual State of the Church message. We are excited to be able to share the ways God continues to shape and focus the ministry of RHCC at such a critical moment in history. I am very excited about the plans we have to share with you. I think you will be excited to see the breadth of the ministry God has used this past year, and the exciting next steps in our journey together in following Jesus as the Lord of our lives and our church. I am so grateful for each of you and the partnership you share with us.

Pastor Byron welcomes your questions/comments at bmacdonald@rhcc.net

Following each worship service, members of the prayer team will be available in front of the platform to pray with you and minister to your spiritual needs.

We're here for you! The pastoral staff at RHCC is available to help you with your marriage, finances, parenting, emotional issues, or if you are in need of prayer. We can also provide recommendations for Christian counseling services in the South Bay. Contact Pastor Nate Aanderud at 310.521.2565 or naanderud@rhcc.net.

Welcome to Rolling Hills Covenant Church—a caring community of people who believe the Bible is the Word of God and choose to live by its truth.

Our mission is to know Jesus intimately and to share His love and truth passionately. We discover God by studying His Word, both personally and with others. We endeavor to love others, with Christ as our example. And we commit our time, talents, and treasure to serve God, to reflect His glory, and to share the salvation of Christ throughout the world.

If you’re new or maybe you’ve been here a while and want to learn more about RHCC and build stronger relationships with others, come to Rolling Hills Connect. You will be welcomed by our staff, learn about the church’s purpose and priorities, and connect with others who are also exploring the church. Sunday, May 28 at 11:15 a.m. in the Loft.

For information about what else is going on at RHCC this month, pick up What’s Happening in the blue boxes around campus. For a full listing of our ministries and classes, pick up a copy of Connections in the Welcome Center.

All services will meet in the Worship Center next weekend as Pastors Byron, Shawn, and Garrick join together for our annual State of the Church service. You won’t want to miss it!

Join us next Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as we will take time to prayerfully reflect on God, reflect on who we are in Him, and reflect on how we are His reflection to one another. Register and get more information at RollingHillsCovenant.com/reflections.

Come downstairs next Sunday, April 30 at 12:30 p.m. to tour our classrooms, meet our staff and volunteers, and find out how you can be part of the fun. Light lunch will be available.

Homegoings:
• Please pray for David and Kristen Wendorff and family on the homegoing of their mother, Jody. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at the Norris Pavilion.
• Please pray for Donald MacPhee, Marti MacPhee, Bill and Cynthia MacPhee, and Becky Pearsall on the homegoing of Betty Jo. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.
• Please pray for Boyd and Carole Ellestad on the homegoing of Boyd’s father, Ernest.
• Please pray for Diana Elliott, Beth Buchholz and family on the homegoing of their mother, Barbara Grasso.

Prayer Chain: Submit prayer requests to Vicki Hardin at Chaplain_Vicki@aol.com, 310.612.7832, by yellow card or on our website.

Giving goal (6/1/16-5/31/17): $7,850,000

Budget Needs YTD: $7,025,180
Received YTD: $7,101,085
Over/Under YTD: $75,905

Needed last week: $141,350
Received last week: $147,859