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It seems like we were only just making our way through Advent to Christmas. In the church year, this is a very exciting time. We are in Lent, then Palm Sunday with its mix of celebration and sorrow. Holy Week takes us ever closer to the cross. Jesus loses his life. But then, we are back to the celebration of Jesus being alive!
What’s the big deal? Isn't it just another day, another opportunity to have a large family dinner? People that come to church only twice a year are at worship. The big deal is that everything changed with Jesus’ resurrection. All the things Jesus told people to keep secret could now be told.
Our faith is not in vain! As Paul wrote, “…and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14), but thank God, it’s not. I was particularly moved by the verse that ended March 3rd’s gospel, “22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the
scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22).
The pivotal turning point of our faith was the resurrection of Jesus. That’s when everything started to click for the disciples.The church not only was born, but grew exponentially. Jesus isalive. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Jesus movement grows beyond what any of those disciples could
have imagined.
Can we unleash our holy imaginations for a bit? Can we believeGod can work so miraculously in the church today? As we look around, what do we see? Churches that used to have over 100 worshipers a week are down to 50. And us, we’d be thrilled to be back to that number and especially to have children. What can we do, pray tell?
That’s it—pray for God’s Spirit to move through the church and tell the good news to others. One of the big differences between us and the non-denominational, evangelical churches is their willingness to verbally share the gospel. We show God’s love in many ways—by our giving, our love for people, helping hungry children, in Honduras and other parts of the world. And that’s very important. But we seem to be overcome by spiritual laryngitis when it comes to talking about Jesus.
How can we change that? Does it mean we have to knock on doors—maybe that of a neighbor or friend. Possibly you’ve known someone and socialized with them for a long time. Have you told them about the most significant relationship in your life; that of being a beloved child of God? Let us pray and share and see what God will do. By your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and
we were given the breath of life.
By your word, eternal God, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and our deeds, rejoicing always in your powerful presence; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
God’s peace,
Pastor Ivy
Pastor's Message
March 2024
Pastor Ivy Gauvin