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 4/11/2026
Good morning church family,
GIVING THANKS & PRAISE:
Thanks again to Derin & Kristen Wilson for coordinating the Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday. There was a great turn out and Derin lead a wonderful devotional.
    
Tori's end of the year recital went well! She had a great turn-out and she simply shined!
  
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Doreen Palmer asked for prayers for her daughter Christina who is still struggling. They are currently in Bridgeport for now, but will head back to Maryland soon.
CONGRATULATIONS Mark & Sarah Seaman on the birth of their identical twin boys! Calvin and Meade were born on Friday April 10th. Mom and babies are doing well. Congrats to Jim & Tracie Walkup as well. They will have double the fun!
Many events are happening over the next few months…all LORD WILLING and with Praise and Glory to God:
TODAY Saturday April 11th – 10:00 at the church building – Ladies Saturday bible class. The lesson will be “The Fragrance of the Feast” lead by Debbie Froehlich.
Tuesday Ladies ' bible classes via zoom at 9:30 – April 14th & 28th The next class will be “Help for the hurting”.
Saturday April 18th 5:00 – New England Bible Institute Fund Raising Dinner – Meriden Church of Christ. Fliers on the table in the auditorium
We invite you to join us for a memorable evening featuring a delicious meal, an update on the graduates, and congregations being served through NEBI. By reserving your seat, you are also contributing to the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom in theNortheast. Your involvement helps strengthen our mission and expand the Institute's impact within the community.
See Jay Repecko if you have questions.
Cost: $50.00 per adult / $100.00 per couple / $150 for a family of 3 to 5
YOUNG ADULTS
The young adults will be hiking and doing a devo at the Saugatuck trail on Sunday, April 12! If you’re coming make sure to bring or stop and pick up a lunch on the way as we’ll be meeting shortly after worship (~1 pm) Please see Zach or Andrew for more details.
They will have a teen movie night at the Carey's house – 116 Princeton Drive, Shelton, CT – Friday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m. Please see Zach or Kevon for more details.
Saturday May 9th – 10:00 a.m. – Ladies bible study taught by JoAnne Discala on the “Fragrance of Mercy.”
Tuesday May 12th – 9:30 Ladies bible zoom study
May 31st – POT LUCK right after worship
KENT MEN'S RETREAT – June 12th & 13th. Note: A generous offer has been made to anyone who would like to attend and needs the admission fee covered. See Bruce if you'd like to take advantage of this offer. (Funds are Limited)
http://cocmensretreat.com/
Mark your calendars for our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL which is slated for Saturday July 25th! The theme this year is “With JESUS I'm a Superhero”. A sign up sheet is posted on the auditorium doors for anyone who is able to help that day. Teachers, face painters, bounce house volunteers, food table, those who can set up, and clean up, etc.
Thanks to Derin & Kristen Wilson who head this up every year and will be providing more details soon! Another great opportunity to invite friends and family for a fun day of learning about JESUS!
TIDAL RIVER CHRISTIAN CAMP
Information regarding TRCC is now available. The weeks for camp are:
 
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
The tiny Red Hand Fish is a critically endangered species in Southeastern Tasmania. There are only about 100 of them left in the wild.
These 8-10 cm fish are named for their specialized pectoral fins used to “walk” on the seabed floor. Very little is know about their lifespan. They are slow moving and walk on the seabed floor. Habitat loss and destruction, pollution and urban developments are the main threats to the recovery of the Red Hand fish population.
The Red-lipped bat fish is another unique fish who also walks on the seabed floor.
This species of fish is indigenous to the Galapagos Islands. Its distinct red lips, gives it a comical appearance. These elusive fish are bottom dwellers typically found on sandy bottoms of reefs or oceans at 76 to 120 meters deep.
The Red-lipped bat fish is a vital part of the marine biodiversity in the Galapagos. It's health and population status serve as indicators of the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Psalm 148:7
“Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths.“
The Scriptures share two biblical accounts of Peter fishing at two separate points of his life.
The first account was when he first met Jesus in Luke chapter 5.
The second account is in John 21 after Jesus's resurrection.
After a night of failure as recorded in Luke 5, Peter washed the nets, tired, frustrated and came back to the shore empty handed.
Jesus commands Peter to launch into the deep, challenging his expertise with Jesus' instruction.
Peter obeyed His command although he was exhausted. Little did he know the miracle which would take place. Peter's emptiness becomes a miracle so large that it breaks the nets!
Luke 5:1-11
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fisherman who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered , “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything; But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.“
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, Peter goes back to fishing. Again, he caught nothing all night.
Jesus stands on the shore, providing for their needs before they even recognize Him. He invites them to join him join him for breakfast on the beach.
John 21:1-14
“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were together. “I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you”. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”
vs 4 “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?”
“No” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
“When they did , they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
vs 7 “Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
vs 10 “Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
vs 11 “Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. “
These two powerful biblical accounts should remind us that we have incredible abundance in CHRIST.
Abundance in Christ is not a promise of material wealth, but a “life to the fullest” as we read in John 10:10. Life characterized by inner peace, overflowing with JOY, and spiritual riches, regardless of our circumstances.
By abiding in Christ, we shift our mindset from scarcity to gratitude, and trusting in His grace to meet our spiritual needs abundantly.
As Human beings we often think of abundance in terms of “more” i.e. more money, more success, more things, etc. However the abundance which Jesus Christ offers is deeper. The difference between surviving and thriving in Christ brings us into His peace, which passes understanding.
Philippians 4:7
Abundance isn't about what we can hold in our hands, but who we hold onto.
By abiding in the True Vine (JESUS) John 15:1-5 , we bear much fruit. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.
All we need in this life, is Jesus Christ, for we put our trust in HIM for eternal salvation.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
No matter how many times we turn from the Lord, He is always standing on the shore of our lives calling us back to Himself.
“Come, follow me”
Jesus said,
and I will make you fishers of men”
Matthew 4:19
No matter how tired or weary we are, we need to cast our nets on the other side and trust in our CREATOR.
2 Timothy 1:9 “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace.”
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Psalm 34:10 “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.“
The “good things” which God promises are what is necessary for our spiritual well- being.
Shifting our focus from fear to trusting in GOD's provision, will bring us fulfillment and contentment in this life.
We have incredible ABUNDANCE IN JESUS CHRIST!
IN CHRIST…Our nets will not tear!
Can we see it?
KEEP SINGING:
Let us Adore
(Let us Adore)
the ever-living-God
(The ever-living God)
and render praise
(and render praise)
unto Him
(unto Him)
who spread out the heavens
(who spread out the heavens)
and established the earth
(and established the earth)
and whose glory
(and whose glory)
is manifest throughout all the earth.
He is our God ( He is our God)
He is our God (He is our God)
There is no one else (There is no one else)
He is our God (He is our God)
He is our God (He is our God)
There is no one else (There is no one else)
I praise Your Name
(I praise Your Name)
Most high and Awesome God
(Most high and Awesome God)
and lift my hands
(and lift my hands)
Unto You
(Unto You)
You saved my soul
(You saved my soul)
on a rugged tree
(on a rugged tree)
Now I praise You
(Now I praise You)
and serve You LORD throughout eternity
(and serve You LORD throughout eternity)
You are my God (You are my God)
You are my God (You are my God)
There is no one else (There is no one else)
You are my God (You are my God)
You are my God (You are my God)
There is no one else (There is no one else)
To GOD be the glory, great things HE has done!
In Him,
Bruce & Paula
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