Spring has sprung! I’m writing this with the windows open and sounds of birds chirping. Every year, the birth of spring brings a welcome energy back into my life. What could be a better way to celebrate spring than starting the month on April 5 with Easter Sunday! Our Easter worship service will be filled with flowers, hallelujahs, and the sacrament of communion. It is sure to be a wonderful day of worship for everyone.

Starting on Sunday, April 12, we will begin our Easter series: Closer and Closer. Throughout the six Sundays that make up the season of Easter, we will explore how Jesus’ resurrection means deeper relationships with God and with one another. The series begins by visiting Thomas and the disciples shortly after the first Easter. In the passage, Jesus invites Thomas to get as close at he needs in order to believe in Jesus. Jesus encourages each of us to lean into our relationship with him however we need, just as he did with Thomas.

Sunday, April 19 is an exciting day. We will be baptizing a sweet little one from the childcare center. The sermon for this special Sunday will be focused on Luke 24:13-35 where folks get to know one another and Jesus by taking a walk with him. Later on that same day, we will be holding a delicious ice cream filled youth event for students in grades 6 – 12.

Finally, we will close out the month on Sunday, April 26 reading John 10:1-10. God protects us like sheep in a pasture. What does it mean to have someone to watch over us?

Throughout the month, we will look at the time Jesus remains with the disciples and others after his resurrection. In this liminal time, Jesus brings people together and encourages relationships to form and grow. We are able to see the tenderness and presence of Jesus shown in his final days leading to his ascension. It is my hope that we can be encouraged by the group of friends learning and growing together as they unpack who exactly Jesus is and what he’s done.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily