IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• Sunday Gathering: Learning to Move Again
• Popcorn and PJs March 14
• Volunteer: ForColumbia / Mobile Market
• Last Week’s Insights
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2026
This week we’ll continue chasing Christian joy as we “learn to move again.” We left last week with a hanging question: “what difference does Jesus make?” We’ll attempt to answer why our cognitive answer often doesn’t match our lived-out reality, our behaviors. We’ll lay out a paradigm of thought that might free us to choose a more joyful life, and we’ll have that all reinforced by Ecclesiastes chapter eight. Going to be lot to cover. Join us with excitement!
KIDCREST MOVIE NIGHT: Saturday!
Kidcrest Elementary Popcorn and Pajamas Movie Night Saturday, March 14th!!!
It’s time again to enjoy a movie night with our Kidcrest elementary friends and family!!!
On Saturday, March 14, Kidcrest Elementary will host a K-5 movie night and watch Zootopia 2 together as one big elementary Kidcrest family. Doors will open at 6:00 PM, and we will begin the movie at 6:30. Families will pick up at 8:30.
All kids are encouraged to invite a friend or two (K-5th grade age) to join in the fun. All attendees are welcome to wear pajamas and to bring blankets and pillows for comfort. Snacks (popcorn and more) and drinks will be provided.
We hope everyone can attend. If you have any questions, please email kateh@woodcrest.org.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS
ForColumbia was founded in 2015 to bring Christians together to freely share the love of God by serving our community, side-by-side. We do this by organizing volunteers from Christian churches throughout mid-Missouri to serve individuals, non-profit organizations, and other public venues in an annual city-wide day of service.
Together, we've served our city for twelve years with 62 different churches this year serving 98 confirmed sites, and Woodcrest would love to have a presence again this year. We are encouraging you to consider signing up to serve and registration is open Sunday, March 15th through Sunday, April 12th. The event is on Saturday, April 25th from 9am-2pm. Registration T-shirts will be distributed on Sunday, April 19th at Woodcrest.
To sign up or for more information, go to www.ForColumbia.com
Our next Food Bank Mobile Market will be held on March 17 at the Elks Lodge. Volunteers are needed from 2:45–5:30 PM to help direct traffic, register neighbors, sort and bag groceries, and load vehicles.
If you have questions, please contact Sherry or register here.
LAST WEEK’S INSIGHTS
Last Sunday, Matt Gordon reminded us that joy is not a bonus feature of the Christian life. It is one of the clearest signs that Jesus makes a real difference. In a world shaped by anxiety, complaint, and exhaustion, believers are called to live differently—not by pretending life is easy, but by carrying real joy even through pain.
Matt pointed to David dancing before the Lord, Paul’s call to “rejoice always,” and the resurrection itself as reminders that Christianity is not meant to feel lifeless or merely obligatory.
Highlights:
• We often mirror the misery of the world instead of the joy of Christ.
• Christian joy is one way we refuse to conform to the pattern of this world.
• Joy is not only for good seasons; it is something we bring even into grief, suffering, and trial.
• Pain and joy are not opposites in the Christian life. They can exist side by side.
• The gospel is not prosperity theology, but Jesus does give real, lasting joy.
• A joyful church becomes compelling, visible, and contagious.
THE TAKEAWAY
Because of Jesus, joy is available now, not just after life gets easier. The Christian life should look different, and one of the clearest differences is a deep, durable joy that shines even in hard seasons.
OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
• The Loop: sign up for our student ministry newsletter HERE
• Watch services at WoodcrestWorldwide.org
• Engage on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Download the Woodcrest App: CLICK
• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation