Pastor's Corner

Many years ago, the Simon and Garfunkel song about the months of the year appeared. When the song came to the April verse, the words reflected the inevitable change from winter to spring: “April; Come she will. . .”

As I reflected on the convergence this year of Holy Week with the changing calendar, I realized that the song also reflects the difference between Lent and Easter. During Lent, we reflect on our lives in ways that sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult. Yet, like the winter crocus hinting the coming of Spring, Lent always holds out the future of God’s love and grace at work within our lives and relationships.

Then, as if on cue, the Easter moment bursts and the message the Christ is Risen echoes in the world and in our hearts. Easter always reminds us of the new beginning we share through Holy Baptism. And, the Easter message invites us to experience the hope and power of resurrection in our own lives. April has not only come, but Easter’s message of hope and redemption resounds through the entire year.

In some ways, this pattern is enhanced not only by our liturgy but by our activities in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. For instance, every day, the activities in our preschool remind us of the resurrection power children bring to the life of our community. Many of us do not experience this power, but watching the children engaged in play is truly a resurrection experience.

Another resurrection experience we are sharing with each other is the work of the Strategic Planning Committee. Two surveys have revealed that St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is a congregation engaged in mission and the active work of sharing the Gospel with the wider community. Every week, this congregation helps people in a variety of ways. 

PLEASE REMEMBER APRIL 15 ON YOUR CALENDAR. On the evening of that night, the entire congregation is invited to the congregation-wide strategic planning event. Plan to participate in this evening. A light supper will begin the evening and the session will follow. This event is really a prologue to the long-term future of the congregation. We are looking forward to an enriching event focused on our ministry of resurrection and life together. Further details are forthcoming in other communications from the congregation.

My point in all of this is to note that the church year provides us many opportunities to reflect on the many blessings God has provided for us. As we live and serve in Christ, we feel the abundance of those blessings. This week, we also share the hope and love contained in the three words of the Easter season: Christ is Risen. And the words that follow: He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Scott