What if God was One of Us? & Other News!
by Dennis Miller, Senior Pastor
I hope you are doing well on this spring day! It’s hard to believe that Easter is only 16 days away! Back in the 90’s, Joan Osborne sang a popular song called, "One of Us." Joan asked listeners what would happen if God chose to visit our planet in human flesh - "just a slob like one of us, just a stranger on a bus ...." This is, of course, what Christians believe God did in Jesus Christ. When we watch the unfolding drama of Jesus being arrested and put on trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, we see it from this vantage point: God came as a carpenter who loved lost and broken people, healed the sick and forgave sins. The highest religious court of the day, made up of the wisest, most pious and religious people of his day, did not recognize God when he stood in their midst. It was these religious people who convicted him of blasphemy and condemned him to die. That night, in the courtroom of the High Priest, it was humanity that was on trial, not Jesus. You can listen to Joan Osborne’s song and watch the video
 
Here's what you'll find in today's PastorChats:
 
This Sunday, March 26, we continue our Lenten series “Jesus is _______.” by looking at the countercultural way Jesus ministered with and lifted up marginalized, victimized and rejected people – specifically women and children. In the Gospels we find that women are featured prominently, they are named, they have voices. Jesus intentionally “sees” women as individuals of great value created in the image of God. Oh how we need this message in our world today! According to the World Health Organization, this year one in three women around the world will experience physical or sexual violence. In addition, according to UNESCO one in four girls in developing countries will not be able to complete even a primary education. Pastor Karl and I are preaching a powerful message not only for women but for children and men too. I hope you’ll join us for worship.
 
EASTER EGG HUNT JUST ONE WEEK AWAY!
 
Our annual family-friendly free event is Saturday, April 1! (No foolin’!) This one-of-a-kind egg hunt not only has thousands of eggs for kids to hunt for, but also food, crafts and prizes, and of course a visit with the Easter Bunny! As an added bonus, Fire Pie’s food truck will be onsite in Tipp City offering their delicious pizza for purchase. 100% of the proceeds from Fire Pie’s pizza sales will benefit the mission house we’re helping build in El Salvador! Find all the details and register your kids on the Egg Hunt page of our website.
 
TRAVELING DURING SPRING BREAK?
 
If you are traveling during Spring Break, I hope you’ll make plans to gather with your family and worship with us online. You can worship Sunday morning live or on demand. Sometimes when I travel, the worship times don’t work – know that that you can also worship on demand on our YouTube channel.
 
HELP WELCOME GUESTS TO EASTER WORSHIP
 
Easter is right around the corner! We need additional volunteers to serve as greeters, hospitality servants, and parking lot attendants to welcome our guests. Head to our Easter page to select your location, service time and position
to serve.
 
WOULD YOU CATCH UP ON YOUR FINANCIAL PLEDGES AND OFFERINGS?
 
Finally, I want to give you a brief financial update. We developed our annual operating budget based upon ministry goals for the year, our projected giving, and the economic outlook. As we approach the end of the first quarter, our worship attendance is up but our year-to-date giving is $75k less than our projected giving budget. At this point, we’re not overly concerned by this. I’m confident that we can catch up, but I do share it as a reminder that your gifts support the ministry of the church. We are grateful for you and your generosity. Please prayerfully consider bringing your 2023 pledge up to date or giving a special offering for the work of ministry. If you are interested in setting up an account to ensure regular giving, even when you are out of town or can’t attend church, you can set up a recurring gift through our giving link. If you have any questions about the process, you can email our finance team at finance@ginghamsburg.org. If you are going through a financial challenge, our pastors want to care for and support you. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment! 
 
Okay, that's a bit of what's happening around Ginghamsburg. I’m looking forward to being back in the pulpit and worshipping with you in person and online this weekend!
 
In Christ’s love,
Dennis
Dennis Miller
Senior Pastor
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Is it time for a refresh?
Some new designs are available in our Ginghamsburg Church swag store. Head to ginghamsburg.org/swag and pick out a new shirt, hat or notebook to add to your collection!




By the Numbers...
  • Offering this week was $45,749 from 224 individual or family givers. 
  • Individuals who participated in worship at all locations:
  • In-person adults, students & kids: 748
  • Online (YouTube & ginghamsburg.church): 444

Online worship is also available on Facebook.