Dear Church Family,
What a time of anticipation it is in this season at Bidwell. Now that spring has arrived and the rain is tapering off, we are witnessing signs of life everywhere! Daffodils are blooming, days are longer and warmer, and there is increased wildlife activity throughout Bidwell Park. I have been blessed during my first spring in Chico as I’ve walked through Upper Park with my children. I love the looks of awe, wonder and expectation on their faces as they take in the park’s streams, trails, myriad oaks and overall beauty.
As I consider all that comes to life throughout spring, I reflect on what a meaningful morning of worship it was last Sunday as Pastor Shannon baptized Lucille Lundberg, the daughter of Joel and Shelbi Lundberg. Luci was born with a hole in her heart and was unable to gain weight. Joel, Shelbi and their doctors realized that surgery couldn’t wait, so at two months of age, weighing only 7.6 pounds, Luci underwent a successful surgery to repair her heart. What a little miracle she is, and it was such a joy to welcome her into our family of faith. We can celebrate with Luci’s mother, Shelbi, when she said, “It’s a constant reminder of all we have to be grateful for.”
March at Bidwell saw many other moments filled with life, including the Ash Wednesday service led by Pastor Shannon, the reading and watching of the book and film The Shack, weekly communion at the 11:11 service, and the thoughtful devotions assembled by many of you along with members of our staff.
Looking ahead to April, I encourage you to grow deeper in your faith and to find new life by attending the Maundy Thursday service on April 13, the Good Friday service on April 14 and the celebration of resurrection glory on Easter Sunday, April 16. Please invite your friends and family to join us!
As life around us grows and flourishes with the arrival of spring and continuation of Lent, we are called to reflect on our vibrancy of faith through the flourishing of our generosity. I love how this verse speaks to us from Proverbs 11:23—One gives freely, yet grows all the richer. We are reminded of the reciprocal relationship between giving and how it enriches our lives: we grow in health because it does our souls good to give freely. Our hearts were meant to flow to the gracious gestures performed by our hands.
To date in March, we have received $164,000 and are hoping to finish the month by receiving an additional $41,000. We greatly appreciate the generosity you continue to show toward God’s work here at Bidwell Presbyterian.
With much joy and expectation in the risen Christ,
Henry
