From the Pastor - April 2018

Easter is a celebration of new life in Christ.  We have many ways of representing it. 

One example is the contrast between darkness and light.  On Good Friday, we read the story of Jesus’ suffering and death, gradually extinguishing candles until the sanctuary is dim with shadows.  This darkness reminds us that the Light of the World was hidden from sight while Christ was in the tomb. 

Then on Easter Sunday, in the dim light of morning before the 8:30 a.m. service, we gather in the garden around a fire that began with just a spark.  We light a brand new Paschal candle from that fire.  The solemnity of Good Friday succumbs to the celebration of singing “Alleluia” on Easter Sunday. 

Another example of representing new life in Christ on Easter is flowers.  We decorate the Sanctuary with colorful tulips and fragrant white lilies.  These plants grow from ugly gnarled bulbs, which look devoid of all life when planted in soil.  But at the right time, the bulbs send up stalks with beautiful fresh flowers, just as our crucified Lord was buried in a tomb and rose from the dead. 

The tradition of Easter eggs is another symbol of new life in Christ.  They may be real eggs that have been hard-boiled and dyed with the colors of the rainbow.  Or they may be artificial eggs filled with egg-shaped chocolate candies or jelly beans.  The egg is a Christian symbol for Easter because a chick comes bursting forth from the egg, just as Jesus came out of the tomb, no longer dead but alive. 

These symbols of fire, flowers, and eggs represent the profound spiritual meaning of Easter.  At times, the world may seem cold, dark, ugly, and empty.  Yet our faith in Jesus Christ reminds us that God promises us a bright and beautiful future.

As we launch a capital campaign on April 15, I would invite you to consider making a generous contribution payable over three years to give our church facility a burst of new life for the future.  The campaign theme is “Building Up to Welcome All.”  The goal is not just to raise money, but also to make children safe, keep our Sanctuary dry and comfortable, and to share the good news of Christ. 

Happy Easter!

Yours in Christ,

~Brian