Greetings friends!
Pastor Sam here, I pray that the beginning of spring is treating each of you well and you are not too troubled by allergies and pollen to enjoy the blooming of God's creation. I am always amazed at the fresh beauty God unveils during the springtime, and this year is no exception.
We spend the month of April this year basking in the glow of Easter Sunday, which just passed on March 31. Because of how early Easter is this year, we get to spend the entirety of the month in what is called ‘Eastertide’, or the season after Easter. During these weeks we remember and celebrate not just Easter itself, but Jesus' great works after the resurrection, preparing for the birth of the church. Just as with every year, we are called and blessed to live into this message in a more full way, to embody again the new life that Christ offers to us and the world.
As we pass Easter again this year I have been focusing my devotions on one of the most enduring parts of this story, that of the empty tomb. When it comes to Christian symbols the cross certainly takes the cake as the most iconic and well-known signifier of the faith, but in truth, the most important part of the story of Jesus isn't the cross but the empty tomb. The words of the angels from Luke 24 ring out to us today, "Why do you seek the living among the Dead? He is not here, for he has risen!"
The fullness of Christ's message is not just a sacrificial death on the cross, but the rising to New Life after, with the defeat of sin and death made real in Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. So as we continue life after Easter, I pray we all consider not just the cross but the empty grave. Let live into the story of Jesus anew this year, his life death and resurrection, made real in the way we live in the world today. Let our lives repeat the angels chorus, for he is risen, he is risen indeed!
One way to express your Easter devotion is by joining the church as a full-member. While everyone can and is encouraged to participate and have a voice in the life of our church community regardless of membership status, it is still an important expression of faith. Full-Professing Membership status simply allows one to serve on the leadership teams of the church, and have a vote on certain internal matters to the church itself. That being said, if you are not yet a full-professing member of our church, consider taking this next step in your faith journey. We will be offering a group membership class starting later in the spring, but also offer one-on-one classes year-round. Please contact myself or the church office if you are interested.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Sam Mitchell
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