The spring season is a very special time for Christians…. This is the time when we remember Christ’s death and celebrate his resurrection. Along with that celebration comes many traditions. Some, like Easter, are celebrated by all Christians. Other traditions are observed by some groups and vary according to the denominations’ or individual’s beliefs.

Recently, Mégan Alba of IPHC News sat down with four Pentecostal theologians to discuss the liturgy associated with this season.

Rev. Ken Young is a professor of New Testament at the School of Theology & Missions at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK. He served there for 13 years as a teacher and as the Director of the School of Professional Studies. He is also an ordained minister in the IPHC and served as a pastor and associate pastor in the Upper SC Conference before coming to OKC.

Rev. Gary Burchette has been a professor in the School of Theology and Missions at Southwestern Christian University since 1999. He met his wife Stephanie at SCU, and this year marks their 20th wedding anniversary. Gary and Stephanie have three girls: Jessie, Jennie, and Jayden.

Dr. Chuck Chitwood has a Doctorate of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the Registrar and as an Associate Professor at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. He is also an ordained minister with the Cornerstone Conference. Chuck and his wife, Dena, have been married 14 years and have three children.

Dr. Chris Green is a pastor at Divine Life Church in Oklahoma City and is a Seasonal Adjunct Professor of Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. He is currently completing his Ph.D. dissertation and is writing a Pentecostal theology of the Lord’s Supper.

Listen along as the group discusses traditions and observances affiliated with Lent, Easter, and Pentecost Sunday.

Podcast I: Liturgy & Pentecostalism

Podcast II: Easter

_{*The views and opinions expressed in this series are not intended to be an interpretation of the views and opinions of the IPHC. This podcast series is intended to be used as a launching pad for discussion about topics in Christian history. For the church’s official stance on religious observances, refer to the most recent IPHC manual.}

Alternative to Abortion Ministries has announced the return of founders Marvin and Joyce Whitfield. Marvin will serve as the General Coordinator of Alternative to Abortion Ministries (ATAM), and Joyce will serve as the director of The Royal Home.

The Whitfields retired from full-time ministry several years ago. Earlier this year, former director Rev. Jim Hight left to accept a full-time position at a local church, and the ATAM Board of Directors asked the Whitfields to consider returning to the ministry.

The Royal Home is a maternity home located in Salemburg, N.C. The home provides housing and education for teenage girls facing unplanned pregnancy. Their mission is to offer Birth Mothers and their unborn babies the necessary support, care, and encouragement to ensure their health and to provide future opportunities to set appropriate goals and make wise decisions that will chart their "course in life."

^{Editor's Note: This opinion piece was submitted by Bishop Roger Halvorson of the Pacific Western Conference. It is attributed to Richard Hendricks.}

Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part, on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come!

1. The Post Office.
Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Check.
Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with checks by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check. This plays right into the death of the post office If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper.
The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book.
You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone.
Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they're always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.

6. Music.
This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates simply self-destruction. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."

7. Television.
Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing all lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

8. The "Things" That You Own.
Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy.
If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7 "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. And "They" will try to get you to buy something else, again and again.

All we will have that can't be changed are memories.

Brothers Brian and Craig Wansink recently  examined an unusual aspect of the Last Supper. Their findings are making headlines.

The Wansinks - one is an eating behavior expert and the other is a religious scholar - examined the food portions depicted in 52 of the best-known paintings of the Last Supper. According to an article posted by Cornell University, "After indexing the sizes of the foods by the sizes of the average disciple’s head, they found that portion size, plate size, and bread size increased dramatically over the last one thousand years. Overall, the main courses depicted in the paintings grew by 69%, plate size by 66%, and bread size by 23%." Their findings will be published in next month's issue of the International Journal of Obesity.

For more on this unusual story, watch the video below.

Two weeks ago we sent an email about our affiliate churches affected by the Chile earthquake. Since that time, IPHC members and churches have responded graciously and funds have been steadily coming in. Thank you for supporting the Pentecostal Methodist Church in Chile with your prayers and financial donations.

Your donation will help Chilean earthquake victims as they begin the recovery and reconstruction process. Moreover, it will help rebuild homes and churches so the Chilean Pentecostal Methodist Church can continue to reach the country with the Gospel.

There is still time to donate to this important cause. If you have not already given to the Chile Relief Effort, please prayerfully consider making a donation today. All donors will receive credit for World Missions giving through IPHC World Missions Ministries.

Thank you again for your generous outpouring of love and support for our Chilean brothers and sisters. May God you as you continue to bless them.

To see more photos of the Chile earthquake and relief efforts, taken by members of the Pentecostal Methodist Church, click here.

How to Give

Please make checks payable to IPHC and mark all donations for Chile Relief #58001P

Mail donations to:
IPHC Ministries
PO Box 12609
Oklahoma City, OK 73157

All donors (individuals, churches, and conferences) will receive credit for World Missions giving through IPHC World Missions Ministries.

March 14-20 is Women's Ministry Week. This is a time to honor the women who serve their churches and communities in ministry.  It's also a time for women to reach out to other women in their communities. To learn more, watch the video below.

Internet Evangelism Day is an annual digital outreach focus day for churches. This year, it is scheduled for Sunday April 25. It's an opportunity for any church to explore with its members the exciting opportunities for sharing the good news online. Ready-made free downloads – PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts and music can be easily built into a presentation of five minutes or 50.

2010's focus day will be the sixth to be used by churches around the world since the initiative's launch in 2005. Over this period, digital media have developed dramatically, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.

IE Day's website is also a one-stop resource covering many subjects including: how to build a church website that is 'outsider friendly', using Twitter in evangelism, and ideas for effective blogging.

Perhaps surprisingly, you do not need to be technical to share your faith online. And you can volunteer to be an email mentor to inquirers with several large online outreach ministries.

Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton. It is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and groups. "I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day," says John Stott.

More information: http://www.InternetEvangelismDay.com

Do you remember the television show from the 80’s, “The A Team?” The leader of the group was a John “Hannibal” Smith (George Peppard). Whenever the group had a wonderful idea to get out of a serious dilemma, Hannibal always used the line, “I love it when a plan comes together.” That’s how Bill Terry felt this afternoon when after everything that could go wrong went wrong over the last few days but we were still able to finish all that we had set out to do.

Over the course of the last six days, our team completed the following tasks.

• Installed 8 new windows
• Completed installation of exterior siding left over from the July ’09 trip
• Sealed and painted the entire exterior
• Installed two new exterior doors
• Installed six new interior doors
• Secured the back patio area (installed structural posts and beams)
• Painted the entire interior (3 bedrooms, hallway, 1 bathroom, kitchen, and living room)
• Upgraded electrical wiring and relocated the electrical panel
• Installed new kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Installed laminate flooring in the kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and the hallway
• Installed five combination ceiling fans and lights
• Installed two new light fixtures in the kitchen
• Installed light fixtures in two bathrooms
• Installed new water lines and drainage system for the entire house
• Installed new kitchen sink
• Installed new vanity cabinet and lavatory in both bathrooms
• Installed three new toilets

This list covers the major tasks that were completed, but is not inclusive of many minor repairs that arose.

This project that began in January 2009 required three one-week trips to complete. The groups usually consisted of 6 to 7-man teams in addition to local volunteers. IPHC Men’s Ministries and Acts2Day would like to thank every individual for giving their time, their resources, and covering all aspects of their travel.

A complete photo album will be available on the IPHC Men’s Minsitries Facebook page within the coming week. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and financial support. Projects such as these would not be possible without the full support of the IPHC Family. Mahalo.

It’s with a sense of sadness and elation that we come to the last day of the work project on the beautiful island of Oahu at Life Church. It has been a very productive trip. By 11 am this morning, our commitment to renovate and repair the minister’s residence, in addition to a hundred other things, will be complete. This is the third time (January 2009, July 2009, March 2010) that teams organized by IPHC Men’s Ministries have come over to work on this project. Each team has had its own strengths, as well as quirks. (I’ll fill you all in more later.)

Here at Starbucks, Bill Terry, Gordon Knox, and I are drinking our last hot chocolate, coffee, and chai tea. We will embark on finishing the last few stages of the project, packing, and preparing for our return home.

We’d like to take a moment to extend a very special thank you to all members of the congregation who provided the fabulous meals (especially last night’s sushi). The men and women who worked long and hard to make sure that I, as well as the team, was kept fed had a huge responsibility. We are truly grateful.

P.S. If anyone remembers, come ask me about Lucy. . .

Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 11 am CST
Topic: The Anointed Church Part II

Psalm 8:8 - God, brilliant Lord. Your name echoes around the world. (MSG)

After three long, strenuous days of renovation and repairs, the team deserved a day off. Initially, the plan was to just visit Pearl Harbor; however someone mentioned that we should take a tour of the North Shore. My goodness! What an incredible God we serve. The above verse was referenced during our morning devotions, and it adequately describes how we all felt after seeing the wonderful sights. Our day concluded with a fabulous meal at a local restaurant in Waikiki.

With one and one-half days to go before the team returns to the mainland, the completion of the project is well in hand. By the end of today, the exterior siding and painting will be completed, all electrical and plumbing matters will be finalized, and the kitchen cabinetry will be installed.

We will leave the island with the satisfaction of knowing that Pastors Greg and Joan Hood will be able to move into a freshly renovated residence.

Unfortunately, Day 3 didn’t begin with a rainbow; however, we were all focused by now and had received our confirmation. That was a good thing, because after the issues we hit this morning, I would have easily given up. After our 5 am visit. . . the team readied themselves for a productive day of renovation and repairs. Our goal for Day 3 was to complete installation of all siding, all electrical rewiring, plumbing, and painting.

Remember that on the afternoon of Day 2, Bill Terry was changing out two water cut-offs in the main bathroom when he discovered that the existing galvanized water pipes were clogged. This meant that a whole new task that hadn’t been planned for, had to be addressed. Over the course of the day, all new water lines were installed in the house (technically underneath).

The size of the project has become much bigger on site than what was initially planned for. I don’t care what we say about child labor laws. In this instance, I paid no heed to them. All kidding aside, without the volunteer help of three teenagers and two children, we definitely would not have completed our tasks for today in a timely manner; especially considering who was responsible for the outdoor painting.

Scripture tells us that God rested on the seventh day. However, being that we’re just human, we will be getting a head start and taking day 4 off. Our plan is to visit some sites across the island of Oahu. Check back tomorrow to see where our curiosity took us.

Thank you to everyone for their prayers for this team. They have been greatly felt.

Rabon Steward and Garry Bryant work together to put up new wood paneling.

This morning, a few of us woke up at 5:00 to make a quick Starbucks run. After devotions at 6:30, we were all getting ready to leave for breakfast when we were once again greeted by rainbow. This time, everyone else saw it and took it as confirmation of God’s blessing upon this project.

Over the course of the day, men painted walls, ran new electrical lines, installed lights, cabinets, and countertops, laid wood flooring, installed ceiling fans, and updated plumbing (which we will have to get back to tomorrow). And here is where we had a few problems. But as someone said, every problem has a solution. We were connecting new faucets for the new bathrooms when we found that the water pipes were clogged with rust. So it was decided that the team would replace all the existing galvanized water pipes with PVC piping in the house.

However, the day ended on a wonderful note. Kailua Pentecostal Holiness Church (Life Church) had a combined service with Centro Cristiano Su Gran Alabanza (His Highest Praise Christian Center). Pastor Brian and his congregation were extremely hospitable. Service began with a time of prayer followed by worship led by their youth worship and fine arts team. Garry Bryant, Field Director for Acts2Day Ministries, delivered a powerful message entitled “Faith and an Individual’s Potential.” The service concluded with a time of prayer for those who were recommitting their lives to expanding the Kingdom in Hawaii and the Islands.

^{Editor's Note: Men's Ministries is in Kailu, Hawaii to help restore a house for the pastor of the Kailua Pentecostal Holiness Church.  They will be sharing building updates and photos with our readers throughout the trip. Here is Discipleship Ministries team member Wesley Samuel's account of their first work day in Hawaii.} 

After Noah and his family left the ark, God made a promise to Noah and gave him a rainbow as evidence of the covenant. Maybe the rainbows this morning were just a reminder of that covenant. But I’d like to think that God was making a small promise to us as well.

When one thinks of Hawaii, one’s first thought is a tropical paradise; not Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. However, this morning, ten men from different parts of the country, led by Bill Terry, Director of IPHC Men’s Ministries, converged on Kailua, Hawaii, not for vacation but to restore a house that had been run down. Mind you, it’s not just any old house. This will be the future home of the pastor of Kailua Pentecostal Holiness Church. At the beginning of the day, there were no windows, the walls only had texture on them, and the kitchen was bare. By 6:00 that evening, every room had been painted, windows had been installed in multiple rooms, tile work had been completed, cabinets had started to go up in the kitchen, and electrical lines had been rerouted.

These men had worked so hard that by 8:15 some of them were already “out.” We look forward to the next few days, not just to the completion of this task, but also the wonderful new relationships that have been forged.

To see more photos, visit the iPHC Men's Ministry page. 

^{Editor's Note: This post was written by Emmanuel College alumna Christina Spearman. She and her husband are associate pastors at a Pentecostal Holiness Church in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Christina's post is one of a series about the historical season of Lent, which consists of the six weeks leading up to Easter.} 

I started observing Lent several years ago when a friend of mine told meabout her observance and her commitment to give up sweets. I was initially intrigued by the challenge, and I appreciated the goal-oriented nature. I honestly didn’t begin observing Lent to impact my spiritual development. I wanted to challenge myself and give up something that would impact my health. Lent grew from a physical and mental challenge to a spiritual exercise that I look forward to each year.

Now that I work at a Catholic institution, I feel that celebrating Lent helps me connect with the students in a different way and share a positive experience with them. This year, I gave up soft drinks and complaining. Honestly, one is going better than the other. I felt that I was becoming dependent on soft drinks to keep me awake and energized, and I wanted to break that habit. I also hoped that giving up soft drinks would challenge me to get more sleep, drink more water, and generally take better care of my physical body, something I think many Christians often overlook.

I knew that giving up complaining would be a challenge, but I didn’t realize exactly how hard it would be. I was shocked at the number of times I opened my mouth to say something negative during the first few days of Lent. I felt that I had become more negative over time, but I had no idea how much I was complaining. Every time I start to complain now, I try to stop myself and find something to be thankful for. When my job is stressful, I thank God that I have a job. When the forecast calls for snow (again!), I thank God I have shelter from the weather. When I feel too tired to cook dinner, I thank God that I have something to eat.

In addition to becoming more thankful, observing Lent has challenged me to be repentant for my negative thoughts and reminded me of the power of spoken words. I have many opportunities each day to speak blessings instead of curses and to honor God for what He has done in my life instead of complaining about things that are mostly trivial. For me to truly embrace the roles of salt and light, the way I speak must be different than many of those around me.

I know that I need to continue my Lenten commitment long after Easter Sunday. Cutting back on complaining is just the beginning. Practicing contentment is the next step for me. I have yet to learn how to be content in all things, but I know that I am getting closer to that goal with every complaint that does not escape my lips. I hope that soon the complaints will not form as quickly in my mind and ultimately my heart. Observing Lent provides me with daily reminders to deny myself, focus on Christ, and be mindful of the witness I am cultivating.