For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

In this passage, God sets the pattern of true love. When you love someone this much, you are willing to give freely even to the point of self-sacrifice. Jesus accepted the punishment for our sins that we could have eternal life: a life that he bought for us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to share the Gospel with others to show the love of Jesus and be willing to give up our comfort and security so that others (family, friends, neighbors) can join us in receiving God’s love.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to the families and friends of Doug Oden, Cindy Murphy and Patsy Peebles. May God comfort you in the days ahead that only He can do.

Happy anniversary wishes this week to: William Lewis and Marie Bartlett, John and Diana Smith and Earl and Venita Rigsby on April 9; Randall and Angela Wilson on April 11; Larry and Mary Winton and Mike and Kelly Petzold on April 12.

Happy birthday to Miché Suggs on April 7; Kaleb Bishop on April 8; Marvin Nuby, Jr. and Richard “Sticks” Stickles on April 9; Savannah Dodd, Beth Lewis and Wanda Robinson on April 10; Geraldine Caswell and Coby Kuckuk on April 11; Lyn Nelson, Rebecca McCutcheon and Venita Rigsby on April 12.

Somerville Baptist Church announces “Hope is Alive,” an Easter drama and musical on April 16 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. We would love for you to be our guest! The story of Easter is a story of a love and hope that never dims. It’s about a loving God, a Great Sacrifice, an empty tomb and how this one event can still make a difference in our lives today! This Easter, don’t just go through the motions. Come to Somerville Baptist and experience Easter like never before with drama, music and a chance to meet new friends! Free continental breakfast and a time of fellowship from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Please join us for a Full Choral and Dramatic Presentation of “Hope is Alive” and experience the hope of Easter!

Somerville Baptist is located at 41 Main St., Somerville, AL 35670. For more information please call 256-778-8844 or go to www.somervillebaptist.org. The senior Pastor is Shane Lewis.