Pastor Weekly - 4/16/25

Hello ICC Family!

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

It’s a busy week at ICC this week, just as it is for every church around the world.  We have our discipleship time this evening, the Good Friday service in a couple of days, and of course our Resurrection Day celebration on Sunday.  I wonder if you and your families are busy yourselves?  Do you have regular plans for celebrating Easter?  Travelling to see relatives?  Big Easter lunch with the family?  I read an article suggesting that people dye and hunt for Easter potatoes this year since the price of eggs is so high.  Are any of you going to try that?

Time with loved ones and friends is always a blessing.  Make sure you prioritize it!  But at the same time… consider for a second all of those that don’t have people to spend time with.  Current statistics say that about 30% of Americans are lonely.  12% have no friends at all!  Like it or not (I hope we do since we are an international church!) but there are more transplants to the greater Charleston area every day.  Almost every single one of them is looking to make new friends and find social connectivity in their lives.  I can tell you right now, that you are probably not going to end up being their bestie.  Even if you do, that doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t still feel lonely.  You can feel lonely in the middle of a crowded room!  But there is one that can heal the hurt of loneliness.  One that will stick closer than a brother.  One that will never leave or forsake any of his people.  Jesus Christ - our Savior and Lord.

This week, let’s be thinking of those struggling with loneliness and take the time to BLESS them.  Share your lives, share a meal, and share Jesus with them.  And yes, invite them to church as well!  Whatever the cause of loneliness, for the Christian the cure is always the same—the comforting fellowship of Christ.  Pray that they would find that at ICC as they study God’s Word and worship him, and then never let it go!  Below is the information from last week about our two Holy week services.  We look forward to seeing you and your guests there!

Friday, April 18th, 7:00 PM - Good Friday service

This is one of the most special and meaningful services of the year.  It is a contemplative service, focused on the death of our Savior on the cross and the price that had to be paid for our redemption.  We will partake of Communion together and leave quietly in expectation of the joy to follow on Easter morning.

Sunday, April 20th, 9:30 AM - Resurrection Day Celebration

Come at 9:30 for coffee, donuts, and snacks - a joyful time of celebration that will continue into the joyful worship service focused on Jesus’ victory over death and the grave.

Blessings to you!  And know that I am praying for you!

Pastor Aaron