Well, it finally happened.  Agape is no longer a Sunday School Class.  No, it did not cease to exist, although the prognosticators may have painted such a sad scenario.  Rather, the name has changed.  Yes it is still "Agape," but no it is not "Sunday School Class."

The new name is now "Adult Bible Fellowship" or ABF.  It isn't a type of plastic pipe or a new computer technology, and is a bit harder to remember than "SS," but with a bit of effort, us "old dogs" can hopefully learn.

March 16 John Easterwood  Controversial Issues
March 23 Glen Hultstrand  Dental Mission
March 30 John Easterwood  Controversial Issues
April 6  John Easterwood  Controversial Issues
April 13  Dave & Jan Harthan Missionary Report
April 20  Easter   No ABF
April 27-May 11  Pastor Joel Sutton  Growing Deeper
May 18  Outreach Weekend  Missionary Speaker
May 25  Memorial Day Weekend  No ABF

There was a day when it could be heard in certain crowds that "Christians don't go to movies."  Some of you remember those days.  But selective movie viewing is now fairly common among Evangelicals. 

The following is a series of observations about the Civil War film "Gods and Generals" which has been notable for the inclusion of clear and unapologetic expressions of Christian faith.  If you plan to view the 4 hour marathon and do not want anything to potentially "spoil it" for you, stop reading now!

One might wonder why Ted Turner produced such a film, given his sentiments regarding Christianity, but there are reasons, even beyond putting himself into the film in a minor but very visible role.

By showing believers on both sides of the conflict praying and invoking God's blessing on their enterprise, Turner probably feels that he is demonstrating God to be a figment of their imaginations.

It is also a clear antiwar movie, even implying that Lincoln provoked the conflict by massing troops at the threat of secession.  It also hints that there was enough anti-slavery sentiment in the South to have ended that institution even had there been no Emancipation Proclamation.

But Turner and his master may have outsmarted themselves, because by including genuine faith expressions and their implications, he has shown the depth of character of the believer.   The Christian can be ready to die at any moment, knowing that his life is in God's hands, and can squarely face tragedies with full depth of emotion and yet not shake loose from the soul's anchor.

There will be a shower for Heather Hultstrand, April 6 at 4:00 pm at church
She is registered at Target, J.C. Penny and Marshall Fields

Katie Hucek will be on a mission trip in Guatamala City from March 13--23

Russ Anteronen will be running in Puerto Rico July 1--14

Jeff and Rachel Olson are expecting in July

Tim and Katie Parr are expecting in September

Dee Huanca's mother passed away March 10 after a long illness.

Robert Goodman, Jr.'s wife, Malika, lost her father suddenly and unexpectedly.  Goodmans are traveling to France to be with Malika's family.

Tawney Sanchez, niece of Bob Johnson and granddaughter of Audrey Johnson died earlier this month after an extended illness while awaiting a liver transplant.  Pray for her husband Joseph, and their son Joey.