Rock of Ages Weekly Update

Sunday, April 25th, 2026 - Easter 4

Easter Season Theme: What difference does it make?

Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things. . . be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.

But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.

Theme of the week - He lives to be my Good Shepherd

Sunday's Sermon Lesson - John 10:1-10

Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to choose my own direction in life. I would be terrible at it, because, like a sheep, I can generally see only what’s in front of me at the moment, and I get myself into trouble. It is especially difficult for me to look far into my future as planned by Jesus. If he had not risen from the dead, I would be on my own.

But he lives, and it makes a difference. I have the reliable direction of the Good Shepherd. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from the roaring lion, Satan. He is leading us into the green pastures of eternal life. For centuries, the Church has observed this Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd.

In Heavenly Glory - Tim Matthews

It is with a heavy heart, yet with firm confidence in the resurrection, that we share the news that our brother in Christ, Tim Matthews, was called home to his heavenly rest on Monday, April 13th.

While many will mourn, we also lift our eyes with heavenly joy and know that he has finally gone home. The promise of Christ's resurrection gives us sure hope, especially at a time like this.

The service will be held on May 9th at 11 am. After the service, we will share a lunch and fond memories together.

Please keep the Matthews family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, asking that the Holy Spirit provide them with the peace that passes all understanding.

Jesus promises, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never perish." (John 11:25-26)

Voters' Assembly

Please attend our voters' assembly coming up. All members are invited to attend. We will share updates on our past ministry and future plans. You will also have opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have. The meeting will be held Sunday, April 26th after worship.

Snacks

This weekend members with last names beginning with L-Z are scheduled to bring snacks. Please help if you can.

Baptism celebration and Baby Shower

You're invited to Adventures and Blue Jeans to Welcome:

Jonah Marshall Pautz AND Pautz Baby #2 (Due July 22, 2026)

Sunday, May 3rd 2026 at 11:00 AM in the fellowship hall.

Gift Cards: Sprouts, Costco and Publix

We will have a Gift Tree. Bring a pair of socks boy/girl/any size. You can stuff your sock with a gift if you choose, or hang any gift on the tree! Clips, hangers, and hooks will be available.

Nurseries Theme / Colors: Dark Forest Green, Terracotta, Fox Run, Spellbound

Our book study has begun. Please pick up your books if you haven't already. They are available in the entryway with your name on it.

There is a weekly in-person study at church on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. You may join us online live via Zoom at the same time. Please read through page 65 before we meet this week.

There is also a Facebook group where you can participate any time.

Coffee with the Savior Bible Study

Thank you all for your interest in this study! The results are in and it sounds like Tuesday evenings will work well to begin. The books have arrived! If you haven’t already paid, payment of $15 can be made anytime to Hannah via cash, check or Venmo (@h1schneider). We will plan to meet for bi-weekly. The next will be sessions on Tuesday, April 14 at 7pm, 5059 Lawler Lane, Old Hickory. We will cover chapters 1 and 2 at the first session, if you want to get a jump on those. But if you don’t get a chance to look at them beforehand, that’s ok! Those who live in the same general areas are more than welcome to carpool to the Schneider house or get together at another central house to “Zoom” in, so to speak (be sure to get me your email address if you are planning to Zoom so I can send you a link). Can’t wait to study God’s Word together with you!

Hannah Schneider: 779-243-8428 schneiderhannah84@gmail.com

Pastor Visits

If you haven't visited personally with Pastor Schneider, please consider a time you could meet up. The visit only needs to last a half hour or so. Though it can be longer if you wish. He just wants to get to know you a little better, learn some of your background, and any issues you may have currently going on in life. It's also a great time to ask any questions you may have of your pastor.

You can choose to meet at a coffee shop, restaurant, your home, or at Rock of Ages.

You may schedule by calling or texting Pastor Schneider at: 708-582-9608. Or you can use our online scheduling system, which lets you know Pastor's availability.

WELS Youth Night (Friday, 5/8)

Who: 6th - 12th Grade Youth

What: WELS Youth Night provides a series of youth-focused events, three times a year, not only for the youth of your congregation but also the youth from area congregations. Experience an inspiring evening of games, God’s Word, small group discussion, food, and fun with fellow youth (6th–12th grade) from all over the area.

When: Event 3 will be held on Friday, 5/8/26, from 6 PM - 9 PM

Where: Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church (Columbia, TN)

LWMS Convention

There will be a Southern Hills Summer Meet-up on June 5th-7th in Canton, Georgia. More information about this can be found on the LWMS board in the fellowship hall.

The 63rd Annual LWMS Convention, Cast Your Nets, will be in Madison, Wisconsin from June 25th-28th. You can register by going to the LWMS website, 63.lwms.org. Registration ends June 1st.

Want more Jesus from home?

Try Time of Grace

The mission of Time of Grace is to point people to what matters most: Jesus. Using a variety of media (television, radio, podcasts, print publications, and digital), Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, accessible in multiple languages, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.

I'm Pastor Michael Schneider, serving you here at Rock of Ages. Please let me know if you ever want to talk, if you have a prayer request, if you want a hospital visit or home visit, or if there is some other way I can better serve you spiritually. Peace to you in Jesus!