The message of Easter is central to our faith in God and the catalyst for the journey of being a follower of Jesus. Can you imagine what it may have been like for those disciples on that first Easter. The pain and grief - the emptiness. Jesus was dead and gone.

But when the women showed up at the tomb on the Sunday morning and saw the angel, they were astounded to find the tomb empty. “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here. He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying then go quickly and tell the others that he has risen…” Matthew 28:5-7.

This weekend, as we celebrate Easter, let us remember that we worship a risen Saviour. The tomb is empty, and sin has been defeated, Praise the Lord “Jesus is alive!”

~ Steve

The Ultimate Question / Steve Clark
Questions. The disciples had them. The Jewish leaders had them. Pilate and Herod had them and the world has questions about Jesus.
This Easter Sunday we will look at a question that we all have to ask ourselves about Jesus – maybe it is the ultimate question. Come along and discover for yourselves.

Join us at 10AM in-person or online. We would love to have you join us online for the service if you are unwell.

For the Kids...  
Happy Easter!  This week we are all in together.  We have activity packs and snacks for the kids to enjoy at the back of the auditorium.  Please help yourself.

We hope you have a great school holidays.  Our kids church programme restarts for term two on Sunday 23rd April.

If you have any questions, please email carol@fbc.nz or come see Carol on Sunday.

Prayer at 5pm
NOTE: There will be no prayer time this Sunday. Resumes on the 16th April.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. The presence of God’s Spirit fuelled by prayer brings God’s wisdom, strength and compassion into our lives and victory over the many issues that have held us back in the past. We would love you to join us, humble ourselves and pray -Sundays 5pm in the Church Auditorium.
 

Pray for Easter Camps happening this weekend
Pray for revival and the anointing of the Holy Spirit for the camps going on this weekend. Details below.

Intermediates — E-Camp!
When: 7 - 10 April 2023
Where: Finlay Park, Karapiro

Youth — AWAKEN Easter Camp!
When: 6 - 10 April 2023
Where: Mystery Creek, Hamilton

Franklin Food Bank
We are partnering with the Catholic Church in Pukekohe to provide a food bank for those in need. They would love donations of:

30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
The annual prayer focus for the Muslim World over the fasting month of Ramadan is from 22nd March to 20th April 2023. 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is a prayer guide that inspires. It is filled with stories to help us learn about, love and pray for Muslim peoples. You can use it individually, in life groups and families. The prayer guide booklet is available to download from the international website https://www.pray30days.org. There is a cost of US$2 which is about NZ$3.25. Please contact Val Horne or Stuart Smith if you are unable to download the guide and would like a printed copy.

Donation Rebates/Receipts
Please note that donation receipts will be sent out on the last week of April 2023.
If you’ve made a donation above $5 to any registered charity, religious organisation or school in the past 4 years, you’re eligible for a 33% rebate from Inland Revenue. If you need help in processing your rebates, please come and see Den.  He will be able to point you to places that can help. Completing a refund will give you the choice to either get the refund or re-gift it back to Franklin Baptist Church. 

Barista Coffee
Due to the success of pre-ordering coffees before the service begins we are going to continue as a regular opportunity. We will continue to take orders after the service, however, if you’re able to pre-order before 10am we would hugely appreciate it. Pre-ordering is available from 9:30am every Sunday morning volunteer team dependant.  

Oasis
Oasis will have a break for 2 weeks from next Wednesday the 12th of April and will resume on the 26th of April. 

Seedpods
Seedpods is a weekly play workshop and friendship group for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. Thursdays at 9.30am during term time. Please contact Lynley Clark on 0276514349 if you are interested in attending. If you are interested but Thursday doesn't suit, please let us know. Flyers are available at the info desk if you have someone you would like to invite.

Booking Rooms at FBC
If you would like to book the use of a room at FBC (either for personal use or church use), please fill out the form. Link for FBC Booking Request Form

Prayer Chain
If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Prayer Chain, please email Arlene Hutcheon on arlene@ps.gen.nz or send a text to 0274726198. All prayer requests are treated as confidential.

Giving
You can give online, by automatic payment or direct debit. Our church bank account: 01 0403 0013842 00 or click here to donate now.

Church Center App
Our Church Center app is where you can find what's going on in our church whanau. Click this link to find out how to download the app here.

As an encouragement to all of you while you're at home...check out some of the songs we're currently singing on Sundays and a few new ones we might sing in the future. If you have a Spotify account, this is the link to FBC Worship on Spotify