From the Pastor’s Heart

Taking the Next Steps into the Future

I’d like to extend a BIG thanks to those who have expressed their feelings of deep appreciation and
sadness for our impending departure! The Moxley family shares those same feelings and is working
through our grief as well, but we also have a deep assurance by the peace of God. We will continue to
pray for each other in the remaining days ahead as we work through our grief and begin looking toward
the future.
That future is quickly becoming a reality as we have selected a Pastoral Search committee. I encourage
you to pray for the entire committee (listed in alphabetical order):
June Allen
Rosa Edge
Lynne Galewski (alternate)
Frank Halbauer
Audrey Hamlet
Richard Haywood (alternate)
Rev. Jan Oberdick
My pastoral advice and strongest recommendation is that the search committee would lead the church to
select an intentional or transitional interim pastor. You might not be familiar with those terms. While an
interim pastor preaches and gives pastoral care during the time of the pastoral search, a transitional or
intentional interim along with preaching and giving pastoral care has been trained specifically to help
churches with challenges that Azalea is currently navigating through. Questions of vision and purpose,
building unity and fostering care during the search process are focused on by a trained intentional
interim pastor. It will not be easy, but it is the best course of action the congregation could take during
the coming days. My prayers go with you as you take these next steps!
See you at “the Sunday morning place to be” finding solid footing at the cross of Christ!

Pastor John

JOIN US THIS EASTER SEASON!

APRIL 6 12:00 PM – LENTEN SERVICE AT AZALEA, WITH SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH FOLLOWING.
APRIL 17 11:00 AM – THE EASTER CANTATA: EYES OF FAITH, SEEING AND BELIEVING THE MESSIAH
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:40, COMBINED SERVICE AT 11:00.
APRIL 21 7:00 PM – MAUNDY THURSDAY – WITH THE LORD’S SUPPER
APRIL 24 11:00 AM – EASTER SUNDAY – JESUS’ FIRST WORDS AFTER RESURRECTION JOHN 20:1-18
CHURCH WIDE BREAKFAST AT 9:00
COMBINED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:40 TAUGHT BY REV. CAROL SEELEY
COMBINED EASTER SERVICE AT 11:00

From the Special Events Committee

There will be a farewell reception for Pastor John and Kristye, Leah and Eve
on Saturday, May 7 from 2 to 4 pm. Please save the date.
Notes from your Director of Christian Ministries
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Teaching children about Easter can be a daunting task, especially if you think about the brutality of Jesus’
crucifixion. Experts from Lifeway and Children’s Ministry Magazine suggest that as Christians, we must tell children
the story of the crucifixion, but in a way that creates hope and not fear or anxiety. Begin with the Bible and read
together so that you tell the story factually from scripture. The book of Mark gives a concise description of Jesus’
arrest and crucifixion. As you read through the scriptures, be sure to emphasize that Jesus knew what was going to
happen and that he did nothing wrong. After reading through the crucifixion in the book of Mark, move over to
Matthew 28:1-10 to learn about Jesus’ resurrection. Be sure to emphasize the Joy of Jesus’ disciples and the Joy
we experience knowing that Jesus is Alive! As we all approach our celebration of Resurrection Sunday, let’s
celebrate and embrace the Great News that Jesus conquered death and is Alive and wants to be a part of our lives
– every moment, every day.

Kid’s Own Worship and Faith Discovery Centers for April

Week Bible Memory Verse Bible Point
Story/Script (all are NIrV unless otherwise noted)
ure
April 3 Jesus Tells Be kind and tender to one another. Be Kind to
About the Forgive each other, just as God forgave Others
Good you because of what Christ has done.
Samaritan Ephesians 4:32
April 10 Jesus Raises Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection Jesus Is Stronger
Lazarus From and the life. Anyone who believes in me Than Death
the Dead will live, even if he dies.” John 11:25
April 17 Crowds “He is worthy to receive power and We Can Praise
Welcome wealth and wisdom and strength! Jesus
Jesus to He is worthy to receive honor and
Jerusalem glory and praise!" Revelation 5:12b
April 24 Jesus Comes I have been crucified with Christ. I don't Jesus Is Alive!
Back to Life live any longer. Christ lives in me. My
faith in the Son of God helps me to live
my life in my body. He loved me. He
gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Bible Studies
Study of the Gospel of Matthew Sunday evenings from 5 pm – 6:30 pm.
You are welcome to join in at any time – the current chapter will be noted in the bulletin each
week so you’ll know where we are. Led by Carol and Brian.

Men’s Bible Study Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm.

Gather with other men to study and discuss scripture together. Facilitated by Frank Halbauer.
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THE HARVESTERS QUARTET

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.
It’s concert time again!!! Psalm 66:2 says “Sing forth the honor of HIS name; make HIS praise glorious.”
Psalm 104:33 says “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” These are
just 2 of many scriptures about singing. The Harvesters Quartet – Danny, Allen, Philip, Jim and G.W. – have
been given a wonderful talent to minister in Music. Bring a friend(s) and come – you will be blessed by these
Men of God.
Thank you for your support of the Gospel Concert Ministry. As usual, there is no charge; however a love
offering will be received for the quartet. I pray you will be generous in support of their ministry. If you have
questions or need more information about the Concerts please call me. Blessings, Liz Carter 757-639-8088
VBS AUGUST 2011 Although preparations for Vacation Bible School are
well under way, we are still looking for folks

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interested in working with kindergarten, elementary
and middle school aged children.
We are looking for anyone who is interested in
working with our middle school drama group.
We also need folks interested in helping with our
decorations and props.
Please contact the church office or Lynne Galewski
if you feel called to help as we share God’s love
these remarkable kids, whether it is for one day or
all five days. You will be richly blessed by the
experience.
Our next planning meeting will be May 22. At this
meeting the leaders will experience VBS by making
crafts, hearing a Bible story, taste testing the
snacks, learning some of the songs and playing a
game or two. I encourage all who plan to help to
attend – it should be a very interesting experience.
Please remember, anyone wishing to purchase a tee
shirt for VBS needs to see Lynne Galewski for sizes.
ON MISSION FOR CHRIST:
“unhindered”
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before
him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at
the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)
AZALEA ON MISSION
MARCH 20. – WMU FOCUS ON MISSIONS Sunday.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the worship
service. Worship focused around missions, the
children sang and didn’t you enjoy that? The choir
sang about serving the Lord and 3 of our women
shared their passion for missions.
Report from NABA Spring Meeting: Azalea received
the Church Contribution Award for our gifts to
Mission Impact 2010. This was the Association
portion of the 2010 Easter Missions Offering.
APRIL and MAY – Gifts to the Easter Offering for
Association and Virginia Missions will be received
during April and May. Church-wide goal is $4500.00.
40% will be forwarded to NABA to fund MISSION
IMPACT 2011—emphasis on reaching people in our
communities. 60% of the total gifts will be forwarded
to the VMBM to help fund ministries and missions
thru the Alma Hunt Offering for Virginia Missions.
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Ladies Tea!
May 15 at 2 to 4 pm
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WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE NAME OF JESUS?
 Non-perishable food items for the food pantry
 Transportation for Doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping
and other needs are being met
 Baskets of Love are being distributed
 Busy hands are crocheting/knitting prayer shawls
 Sponsoring a child through the Door of Hope in S. Africa
 Collecting funds for Operation Smile
 Donating through a Diaper Bag Ministry to assist work in
Appalachia
 Our Youth are sponsoring a child in Africa
ONGOING MISSIONS AND MINISTRIES:
USED EYEGLASSES FOR LIONS CLUB
CAMPBELL’S PRODUCT LABELS
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
BSU FOOD LION SHARE PROGRAM
BOOK SHARE MINISTRY
Jesus said, “When you have ministered to the least of
these, you have ministered unto me.” (Paraphrased
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From the Faithwalkers:
Thank you for helping us share and spread the love!
February was a month of celebration! In time for
Valentine's, Faithwalkers were able to send a check
for $340 to Operation Smile. We were able to
sponsor one surgery and purchase 8 suture kits.
February 27 marked the two year anniversary of
the book ministry. With your help we were able to
distribute over 1,400 books to Lydia Roper House,
Thorton Hall, Reach Foundation, Lake Taylor
Convalescent Center, Salvation Army and Virginia
Medical Center.
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From the GEMS
GEMS meet the 4th Tuesday of the month @ 7 PM.
All women of the Church are invited.
May 20 at 6:30, join the GEMS for some hands on
Mission work. All ladies of the church are invited to
participate with this project. Anyone who can cut,
stuff, sew, or tie a knot is needed. If possible, please,
bring your portable sewing machine with you.
The following items are needed for Mission Projects
Men’s gloves Flat sheets – full or larger sizes
Sample size toothpaste Wash Cloths, Hand towels
Empty shoeboxes Large zip lock bags
Right now the Working Women's Wardrobe is in
need of jewelry, purses, & scarves. They have plenty
of clothing at this time.
Mark your calendar for a Ladies
Nite Out on Sept. 24.
Recreation Outreach
Opportunity

April 23 from 2 to 4 pm:
Family Picnic
Azalea will celebrate the season with a Family
“Spring Fling” Event. Mark your calendar and
SPREAD the word to all in the neighborhood!
Picnic menu of finger sandwiches such as egg
salad, ham salad, tuna salad, other types of cold
cuts, or side dishes such as potato salad, macaroni
salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, cookies & desserts, etc.
Wrapped candy is also needed so we can fill the
eggs for the children's egg hunt. Please drop off the
candy at the office no later than April 10..
What’s a picnic without contests? Ladies decorate
your bonnets, guys your ties and children (10 and
under) your baskets. We will have lots of on going
games for you to enjoy and just have fun.
For the event we need to borrow the following:
Badminton Set, Croquet Set, Volleyball, Frisbees
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Momentum News
It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was
mentioning how fall and then winter had settled in and
now it is evident that spring is here! I am thankful for
the blessing of four seasons to admire God’s creation,
I hope that you will join me as I make a concerted effort
to enjoy His creation and thank Him for it!
Momentum has been active in service this year and
our March Mission Project was a great success as we
spent a day raking leaves and debris, trimming grass
and trees and painting at Lighthouse Community
Church in Ocean View. You may still recognize it by its
former name; East Ocean View Baptist. This church
really touches this community in such a great way by
providing a food pantry that struggles to maintain any
stock because of the large demand in the community.
They open their doors to many outside groups as a way
of serving the community as well. It was an honor for
us to be able to help them in a small way by collecting
47 bags of leaves, branches and debris. Great job
Momentum!
As I write this we are making our final preparations
for the Bar-B-Que Luncheon on March 27th. It will be a
great time to sit and relax following all of the morning’s
activities at church and have some great food and
fellowship with one another. I want to thank everyone
for their willingness to help Momentum with this
fundraiser. I am certain that this event will be blessed
by God because we are choosing to honor Him in all
that we do. May God bless you richly in April!
Your Humble Servant In Christ, Brian Barnes
DEACON BEACON
I LOVE SPRING! It is my favorite time of the year
as I witness new life; the beautiful flowers, trees budding,
robins in my yard. Each new day is like a springtime
holiday. It is also the time of year that we think about
spring cleaning our homes. While doing your spring
cleaning, think about this: spring cleaning, while worth the
effort, will only last for a season, but spiritual cleansing
could have an eternal influence. So don't just dust behind
those book shelves, dust off that favorite Bible and get
ready for a spiritual spring cleaning.
1) Cleanse Your Heart - Get Spiritually Healthy:
The Bible encourages us to draw close to God and allow
our hearts and bodies to be cleansed. This is the first step
in our spring cleaning project. We can't clean ourselves.
Instead we must draw near to God and ask Him to do the
cleansing. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O
God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)
2) Clean Out Your Mouth - Deep Clean Inside and
Out: Spiritual cleansing requires deep cleaning -- it is
housekeeping that goes beyond what others see and hear.
It's a cleansing from within -- inside and out. As your heart
gets clean, your language should follow. This is not just
talking about bad language, but also negative talk and
pessimistic thoughts that contradict the Word of God and
faith. This includes the challenge to stop complaining.
Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the
good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil
things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the
overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (NIV)
3) Renew Your Mind - Take Out the Garbage: This
is one of the biggest areas of struggle for most of us --
removing the garbage from our minds. Garbage in equals
garbage out. We must feed our minds and spirits the Word
of God instead of the garbage of this world. Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his
good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
4) Repent from Hidden Sin - Clean Out Your
Spiritual Closets: Hidden sin will destroy your life, your
peace, and even your health. The Bible says to confess
your sin - tell someone, and reach out for help. When your
spiritual closets are clean, the heaviness from hidden sin
will lift. Psalm 32:5 I said, "I will confess my
transgressions to the LORD"—and you forgave the guilt of
my sin. (NIV )
5) Release Unforgiveness and Bitterness - Get Rid
of Old Baggage: Any sin will weigh you down, but long
kept unforgiveness and bitterness is like old baggage in
the attic you just can't seem to part with. You are so
familiar with it, you don't even realize how it is hindering
your life. Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage
and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of
malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(NIV )
6) Involve Jesus in Your Daily Life - Let the Son
Shine In: 1 Cor. 1:9 God ... is the one who invited you into
this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord. (NLT) 7) Learn to Laugh at Yourself and at Life:
Some of us take life too seriously, or we take ourselves
too seriously. Jesus wants you to enjoy yourself, and
learn to have some fun. God made you for His pleasure!
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart
trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will
give thanks to him in song. (NIV) Dana Stewart…copied….