1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

This verse encapsulates the identity and purpose of believers in Christ. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Chosen People: The term “chosen” signifies that God has intentionally selected His people for a special relationship with Himself. This suggests a deep and personal commitment, showing that believers are not just random individuals but are valued and significant in God’s sight.

2. Royal Priesthood: Being called a “royal priesthood” highlights the dual role believers have. Priests in the Old Testament served as intermediaries between God and His people, offering sacrifices and leading worship. Here, it suggests that all believers have access to God and are tasked with a ministry of worship and service. The “royal” aspect emphasizes the dignity and honor of this role, indicating that believers share in Christ’s kingship.

3. Holy Nation: This phrase indicates that the community of believers is set apart for God’s purposes. “Holy” implies a calling to live according to God’s standards, reflecting His purity and character in their lives. It emphasizes collective identity, reminding believers that they are part of a larger family—the body of Christ.

4. God’s Special Possession: This indicates a deep sense of belonging. Believers are treasured by God, akin to how one might hold dear something of great value. It speaks to the intimate relationship God has with His people and His desire for them to thrive in His love.

5. Declaring the Praises: The purpose of being a chosen people and a royal priesthood is to “declare the praises” of God. This is not just about singing or lip service; it encompasses a lifestyle of worship that reflects gratitude and recognition of God’s goodness and grace. Believers are called to share their testimony and the transformative love of Christ with others.

6. Called Out of Darkness: This contrasts the past life of sin and separation from God. The “darkness” symbolizes ignorance, despair, and evil. Being called into “His wonderful light” signifies enlightenment, hope, and the truth found in Christ. This transformative experience is central to the believer’s journey and testimony.

In summary, 1 Peter 2:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the identity and role of believers. It encourages them to live out their faith actively, reflecting the light of Christ in their lives while proclaiming His goodness to the world around them.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne 

1. “Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

2. Zerubbabel was given the responsibility to  rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. After they returned from exile in Babylon, 70 years.

3. The prophets Zechariah and Haggai gave moral and spiritual encouragement to resume work on the temple. The prophet’s primary task was to proclaim the word of the Lord, pointing out sin, explaining its consequences, and calling sinners to repentance and obedience.

4. Many people believe that, to survive in this world, you must be tough, strong, unbending, and harsh. But God says, “not by might nor by Power but by my spirit!”

5. It is only through God’s Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished!

6. As you live for God, be determined not to trust in your strength or abilities; instead, depend on God, and work in the power of His Holy Spirit!

7. Here is Psalms 20:7 (NIV): “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

8. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV) states: “23 This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

9. This passage emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding God rather than relying on worldly achievements.

10. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

God bless!

Peace and love…

—Pastor Dwayne 

MELROSE — A ministry that began as a leap of faith is now celebrating two decades of service to the community. The Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, continuing its mission of providing food assistance and support to individuals and families throughout the Melrose area.  

The pantry was created after church members identified a need for accessible food resources for those facing difficult circumstances. Although there were initial concerns about whether a small congregation could sustain such an effort, the decision was made to move forward, and the impact has steadily grown ever since.

Since opening on April 29, 2006, the pantry has operated out of the church at 515 Franklin Street in Melrose. It has become a dependable resource for residents, regularly serving dozens of families each month with essential food items.

The pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Participation fluctuates depending on the time of year, with attendance typically ranging from 30 to 60 families during each distribution.

The effort remains largely volunteer-driven, with a dedicated group assisting in all aspects of the operation, including food pickups, stocking, and distribution. Additional help is provided by church members and community volunteers as needed. Food supplies are sourced primarily through the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima, supplemented by donations from local businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and individuals.

Over the past 20 years, the pantry has grown into more than just a place to receive food. It has also served as a point of connection within the community, offering support and care to those in need while encouraging volunteer involvement and outreach.

As it reaches this milestone anniversary, the Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry continues to stand as a testament to long-term commitment and community cooperation, providing both nourishment and encouragement to those it serves.

Living a resurrected life is at the core of the Christian faith, in which believers embrace newness and transformation through Jesus Christ.

This transformation is rooted in the resurrection of Christ, which assures us of our own new life and identity in Him.

Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse speaks to the profound change that occurs when we accept Christ. Our past no longer defines us; we are made new through Him.

Romans 6:4, it says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This emphasizes that just as Christ was resurrected, we are called to live a life free from the bondage of sin and to embrace a new existence filled with hope and purpose.

Living by the Spirit; Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse highlights the importance of surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing Him to guide us in our daily walk.

Hope of Resurrection: 1 Peter 1:3 proclaims, “Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This illustrates that our resurrection life is filled with hope, stemming from the assurance of Christ’s victory over death.

Walking in Love; Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” As we live resurrected in Christ, we are called to reflect His love in our actions and to represent Him to the world.

Eternal Perspective: Colossians 3:1-2 states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Living a resurrected life means constantly focusing on eternity and living in a way that honors God above earthly concerns.

In conclusion, living a resurrected life through Christ involves embracing our new identity, experiencing freedom from sin, walking by faith, and loving others. As we set our minds on heavenly things, we can fully realize the abundant life that Jesus promises us through His resurrection. Glory to God!

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

OAKWOOD — Auglaize Chapel Church of God will host a series of Spring Revival Services later this month, inviting the community to attend several days of worship, teaching, and fellowship.

The revival will begin on Sunday, April 26, with services scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Evening services will continue Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, each beginning at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker for the revival will be Pastor Jeff Eckman, who brings years of ministry experience across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Eckman has served as lead pastor at North Avenue Church of God in Battle Creek, Michigan since 2013. In addition to his pastoral role, he currently serves on the Michigan Credentials Team and on the board for Warner Memorial Camp.

Church leaders encourage individuals and families from the surrounding area to attend the services for a time of spiritual renewal during the spring season.

Auglaize Chapel Church of God is located at 22652 Road 60, Oakwood. For more information, call 419-594-2441.

“Pastor Jeff Eckman grew up in Howell, MI, and attended the Wright’s Corners Church of God (Now the Crossroads Church of God) and graduated from Fowlerville Baptist School, in Fowlerville, MI.  He met his wife to be, Tori Dendel, in the Michigan Singers and they were married shortly before attending Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida.  They both graduated from Warner in 1993.  Pastor Jeff’s degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies, while Tori received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  The Eckmans have 5 children ranging in Age from 8-21. Pastor Jeff served churches in Elwood, Indiana and Defiance, Ohio before returning home to Michigan where he pastored the Floyd Church of God in Midland for over 12 years. In May of 2013 he accepted the call to be the Lead Pastor at the North Avenue Church of God in Battle Creek where he currently serves. He has served the Church of God in Michigan on the Business Committee, as Vice Chair and Chair of the General Assembly, as Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors, and currently serves on the Church Health Ministry.  Even though he attended camp meetings as a young person, His love for, and involvement with Camp Meetings started in Ohio at the Payne Camp Meeting where he served as Youth director, member of the Program committee, and Evangelist.  His involvement continues in Michigan having served the Charlevoix camp as Youth director, and Evangelist, the St. Louis Camp as board member, chair of the Program committee, and sound and video coordinator, and Warner camp as a youth camp director, conference leader and Evangelist.
Pastor Jeff’s hobbies include playing guitar, coaching (any sport his kids are playing), basketball, softball, golf, photography, computer graphics, video editing, and web design.
His priorities are pretty simple.  He is first and foremost a follower of Christ, second a husband and father, and third a Pastor and Worship Leader.  

“Easter in our hearts every day” is a phrase that resonated in my spirit as I prepared for Holy Week. It is a sentiment that emphasizes the importance of the values and spirit associated with Easter beyond just the holiday itself. Easter, which celebrates resurrection, renewal, and hope, can be a source of inspiration for daily living.

To have “Easter in our hearts” suggests cultivating a mindset of joy, forgiveness, and love in our everyday interactions. It encourages us to embody the essence of rebirth and transformation, not just once a year, but continuously. This mindset can lead to a more positive outlook on life, reminding us to embrace new beginnings and to find hope even in challenging situations. 

This may explain why Jesus appeared to Mary and the disciples after His resurrection. To Mary, unwavering in her faith, He urged her to tell Peter and the others that He had risen, making her the first evangelist. When He appeared to Thomas, He stopped his doubt. Showing Himself to Peter and the others, and initially rebuking them, strengthened their belief and faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Risen Savior, and the eternal God.           

Additionally, this phrase can imply a commitment to community and kindness, reflecting the way Easter often brings people together. By carrying the spirit of Easter throughout the year, we can promote compassion, understanding, and unity in our relationships with others.

Ultimately, “Easter in our hearts every day” serves as a reminder to live with a sense of gratitude, to acknowledge the beauty of life, and to spread positivity and goodwill in our daily interactions. It invites us to celebrate not just the holiday but the profound lessons it brings into our lives at all times. Every day should be Easter Sunday/ resurrection day. 

Scripture references: John 20:19-31, Luke 24:13-35

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Here are some key points from John 11:

1. The Death of Lazarus: The chapter begins with the news that Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, is seriously ill. Jesus stays where He is for two more days before heading to Bethany, where Lazarus lives.

2 Jesus’ Conversation with His Disciples Before going to Judea, Jesus explains that Lazarus’s illness will not lead to death but is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.

3 Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary: After Lazarus dies, Martha and Mary, his sisters, express their sorrow and disappointment that Jesus did not arrive in time to heal him. They both proclaim their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

4. The Power of Jesus: Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection and the life, promising that whoever believes in Him will live even after death. This statement emphasizes His divine authority over life and death.

5. The Emotional Response: Jesus experiences deep emotion at the tomb of Lazarus, leading to one of the shortest verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” This shows His compassion and empathy for the grieving family.

6. The Miracle of Raising Lazarus: Jesus commands that the stone be rolled away from the tomb and, despite objections, He prays to the Father and calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Lazarus emerges, alive, showcasing Jesus’ power over death.

7. Impact of the Miracle: The miraculous act leads many Jews who were present to believe in Jesus, while others report the event to the Pharisees, setting the stage for further conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders.

8. Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Own Death: The chapter sets a pivotal moment in the narrative that foreshadows Jesus’ own death and resurrection, highlighting the themes of belief, resurrection, and eternal life.

These key points underscore the themes of faith, Jesus’ power, and his love for humanity, particularly for us believers. Thank you, Lord!

Peace and Love, 

—Pastor Dwayne

God’s Word calls us to “worship in spirit and truth” in John 4:24. Worship can be defined as “extravagant respect, or admiration for, or devotion to an object of esteem”.

As Christians we worship our Lord in many ways, but the most common way is through songs of praise and adoration. Did you know there are other ways to offer up your worship to God? Some other areas are in the family, in the arts, and in the spirit. 

Branch Christian Fellowship in Paulding Ohio would like to invite ladies to come and join other women in the community to learn how we can go deeper in worship. There will be a time of praise and worship and 4 speakers will be talking on 4 different areas of worship.

Branch Christian Fellowship at 109 N. Main Street in Paulding invites ladies to come and spend the morning learning more about worship. It starts at 9AM and is until 12:30 on April 18th. This is a free event and a light brunch will be provided but registration is requested. You can register at branchchristianfellowship.com on the home page under the event, Women of Worship. We look forward to seeing everyone and learning about worshipping our Lord together.

Jackie Boroff is a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a woman of prayer. She started communicating with God after she took the invitation to be born again when she was in the seventh grade. She was married to her best friend, Scott in 1986. She has been pursuing the Father, serving with her husband as prayer leaders at Empower Church, Hicksville Ohio. Jackie will be speaking on worship in prayer and we look forward to hearing what she has to share with us.

Kimberly Wyse is a writer, speaker, and homeschool educator who brings a message of grounded, resilient faith for women living full, demanding lives. As a farm wife and special needs mother, she understands what it means to hold responsibility in one hand and unanswered questions in the other—and still choose to trust God. Kimberly is the author of “Looking Up When Life Looks Down”, and her speaking weaves together Scripture, story, and practical truth in a way that feels both deeply personal and immediately applicable. Kimberly will be speaking on worship in the spirit. Be sure to come and hear what God has laid on her heart.

Tracy Koenig is a Paulding Exempted Village Schools graduate and a Taylor University Fort Wayne graduate, with a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries. She and her husband, Josh, they have been married for 22 years, have two sons: Jeremiah and Isaiah. She has been a homeschool mom for the last 14 years and she is the Program Director of LifeWise Paulding Exempted, LifeWise Wayne Trace and LifeWise Antwerp. Her family attends Free Christian Church in Continental where she serves as the Financial Director, Mission Trip Coordinator, and am a member of the Technology Team. “As a lifelong Paulding County resident and Christian for 27 years, my passion is to share the gospel in whatever ways God allows.” You will enjoy hearing what Tracy has to share about worship in the family.

Kim Mason has been a life long resident of Van Wert Co, graduation from Lincolnview HS and then receiving her B. S. Degree in Music Education with a voice emphasis from The Defiance College. Kim taught music, choir and psychology at Delphos City Schools for 14 years. In 1992 Kim joined the Gospel group Trinity and began traveling and singing throughout the country. This led to her decision in 2004 to step down from teaching as she could feel God pulling her in another direction. In the fall of 2004 Kim took a job with CHP Home Care and Hospice in Van Wert and has now been with the company for over 22 years. She has many roles with the company but now serves as the Event/Volunteer Coordinator and Hospice Musician. Kim continues to travel and sing with Trinity and also serves as a director on the Van Wert County Agricultural Society/Fairboard. We look forward to hearing what Kim has to share about worship in song.

As we gather to celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember the significance of this day in our faith. It marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the crowds joyfully welcomed Him with palm branches, proclaiming Him as the King. 

As king, he could have ridden in on royal horses, drawn in golden chariots, but instead he chose a donkey colt, a definite sign of humility, exemplifying his mission of love over pride and power. 

Two scriptures come to mind: **Zachariah 9:9** (NIV): “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

“And then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

This moment reminds us of the hope and excitement that Jesus brings into our lives. It’s an invitation to reflect on our own journey of faith and to recognize how we can welcome Him into our hearts. A question arises: which would you have chosen? Which mode of transportation would you have chosen?

Let us take this time to prepare ourselves for the coming Holy Week. May we carry forward the spirit of joy and hope, reflecting on Christ’s humility. As we wave our palms and sing our praises, “Hosanna! Hosanna! Which translates to Lord, save us. Save now. Let us renew our commitment to follow Him with love, compassion, and imitate His humility.

Wishing you all a blessed Palm Sunday filled with peace and joy! 

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

1st Samuel 16:7 (NIV) states: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ ”

This scripture occurs in the context of Samuel’s search for the new king of Israel. God sends Samuel to anoint a new king after rejecting Saul. When Samuel sees Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, he is impressed by his outward appearance. However, God reminds Samuel that He does not judge based on physical traits or status—rather, He values the condition of a person’s heart.

1. God sees beyond mere appearances and looks into the inner character and intentions of individuals. This serves as a reminder that true worth is found within, not in external features or societal standards.

2. We have a tendency to make snap judgments based on looks. The Lord encourages us to approach others with a mindset that seeks to understand their true value and potential.

3. The Lord calls believers to cultivate a heart that is aligned with God’s will. Our actions, motivations, and character should reflect a genuine faith that pleases God.

In essence, this scripture invites us to reflect on our own perceptions and to seek to understand and value others as God does. 

This Lenten season, consider permanently surrendering to God those things that so easily beset us, such as pride, arrogance, and vanity. Just to name a few. These are traits that keep us focused on the outward appearances. Remember, God focuses on inward appearances, not outward ones. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (NKJV).

Fast and pray. Pray for me, and I’ll pray for you. 

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne