Hoppy Easter, Lake Forrest Family! (Members Only!)

Hey Lake Forrest Church family! Easter is just around the corner, and we're so excited to celebrate with you all. As a little thank you for being such valued members of our community, we've put together this exclusive blog packed with tips, tricks, and a little bit of Easter cheer.

Think of this as your insider guide to making this Easter truly special – and maybe even a little more prosperous!

Easter Done Right: Lake Forrest Style

Easter is more than just bunnies and chocolate (though we definitely love those too!). It's a time for reflection, renewal, and most importantly, connection with loved ones. Here are a few ideas to make this Easter unforgettable:

Holy Week Reflection: Let's take some time this week to reflect on the journey of Holy Week. Think about what Palm Sunday means to you, and how you can bring that spirit of gratefulness into your daily life.
Community Service Scavenger Hunt: Organize a family scavenger hunt that leads to volunteering at a local soup kitchen or donating items to a homeless shelter. Teach your children the importance of giving back this Easter!
Sunrise Service Spectacular: Rise and shine with us for our annual Easter Sunrise Service! There’s nothing quite like celebrating the resurrection as the sun peaks over the horizon.

Easter Wealth: Planting Seeds for the Future

Easter symbolizes new beginnings, and that includes our finances! It’s a great time to think about planting seeds for a brighter financial future. Here are some quick tips:

The "Resurrection" Budget: Review your budget and cut out unnecessary expenses. Like Christ rising from the dead, let's resurrect a healthier financial plan!
Tithe with Intention: Remember that tithing isn't just about money; it's about giving back to God and supporting the work of the church. Consider increasing your tithe (even a little bit!) this month.
Invest in Your Future: Take a small step towards long-term financial security. Consider contributing to your retirement account or opening a college fund for your children.

Easter Feast: A Recipe for Joy (and Deliciousness!)

No Easter celebration is complete without a delicious meal! Here's a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, with a Lake Forrest twist:

Honey-Glazed Ham with Citrus Zing

Ingredients: A pre-cooked ham, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cloves.
How-To: Score the ham in a diamond pattern. Mix honey, orange juice, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stud the ham with cloves. Bake according to package directions, basting frequently with the glaze.

The Lake Forrest Twist: As you baste the ham, pray a blessing over your family and your meal. Remember, it's not just about the food, but the fellowship!

Good Parenting: Easter Edition

Easter can be a whirlwind of candy and excitement. Here are some quick parenting tips to keep things grounded:

Focus on the "Why": Explain the true meaning of Easter to your children. Let them know it's more than just the Easter Bunny, it's about Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.
Limit the Sugar Rush: We all love a good Easter basket, but try to balance the candy with healthier options like fruit and small toys.
Family Fun, Unplugged: Dedicate time to family activities that don't involve screens. Play a game, read a book, or simply enjoy each other's company.

Members-Only Perks & a Chance to Win!

We love our Lake Forrest Church members, and we want to shower you with appreciation! Here's how you can win a special Mother's Day gift, exclusively for our members:

Comment on this blog! Share your favorite Easter tradition, a parenting tip you've learned, or a financial success story. Each comment counts as one entry into our Mother's Day gift drawing!
Share this blog with your friends! Spreading the Lake Forrest love earns you a second entry. Just make sure to tag us so we know you shared! (We won't tell you what the gift is, just know it's something special! 😉)

Exclusive Member Idea Spotlight:

Remember when the children's ministry suggested the "Resurrection Garden" activity last year? It was a huge hit! We love hearing your ideas!

Do you have any unique ways to celebrate Easter? Share them in the comments! We're constantly looking for ways to make our church community even stronger.
Looking for other members-only opportunities? Keep an eye on our weekly newsletter for exclusive events and volunteer opportunities!

Thank You!

Thank you again for being a part of the Lake Forrest Church family. We are so blessed to have you as members. Your dedication, generosity, and spirit are what make this community so special.

And thank you in advance for sharing this blog! Your support helps us reach more people and spread the message of hope and love.

Happy Easter, everyone! We can't wait to celebrate with you all!

P.S. Don't forget to mark your calendars for our Easter service! It's going to be a beautiful and uplifting celebration. See you there!