Dear Followers of the Risen Christ,
In the last few days of the Easter season
Christians celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, where his followers watch Jesus get
taken into heaven. Then, on what would
be the 50th day of Easter, we celebrate Pentecost. These are two celebrations you might wonder
why in the world we celebrate. Jesus …leaving
us? And then, because Jesus has
ascended, we are promised and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?
But the celebration of Jesus’ ascension isn’t
really “celebrating” that Jesus leaves; rather, it is celebrating the full and
completeness of his resurrection. We are
reminded that Jesus is no longer subjected to the earthly realm, things like
death, suffering, pain, and so forth. It’s
not that Jesus leaves as much as we know he is untouchable. Jesus was raised. He is alive.
And that life is extended to us; even though we die, we live. And the gift of the Holy Spirit, isn’t a replacement
for Jesus.
In his death and resurrection, Jesus has
transformed the world. And by means of
the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are called to transform the world, too. So that in the days after Jesus’
resurrection, the world is transformed, and we are transformed; and for those
of us who are alive in Christ, our lives are made new.
In the crucifixion and resurrection Jesus
supercharges OUR lives. Jesus calls us
to love one another and others as he has loved us. Jesus invites us not just to fish for people,
not just to believe in him, but to take our lives and love as he loved. And it’s because we are LOVING people that we
need a bit of light, sparkle, enthusiasm, hope, and …joy.
In the scriptures, notice how those who believe
begin to make a difference in the lives of others. See what happens when those who follow Jesus encounter
worldly challenges. Witness how the lift
of Jesus is no longer confined to biblical stories, but has been let loose in
the world through us.
When Eastertide wanes, we are inaugurated and
imbued with resurrection joy! For having
been made in God’s image, we are now recreated for God’s loving!
…So what’s ahead for you …and your loving?
Be sure to join us on Sunday, May 8th
as we celebrate Pentecost in worship, followed by our annual Pentecost
Picnic!
On June 15th, we celebrate Trinity
Sunday—the only Sunday in the liturgical calendar named for a church doctrine,
not a biblical story!
On Wednesday during June, our all-Church Bible
Study meets on Wednesday evenings. Join
us for a meal at 5:30 followed by Bible Study at 6pm.
The crucifixion was hard, but new life lies
beyond it. How will you use yours?
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