The Joy of Easter Continues

Dear Friends, 

The party continues – the Easter party, that is!

Lent lasts forty days, but Easter stretches on for seven glorious weeks. This is absolutely right and fitting! The resurrection of Jesus is nothing less than our life and salvation, and worthy of serious celebration.

If we’re honest, though, maintaining an extended celebration mindset has its challenges. The joy and beauty of Easter Day can quickly give way to “real life.” There are traffic jams to navigate, dentist appointments to keep, and dinner dishes to clean up. And yet…Christ is still risen!

Living in this tension is a part of our life of faith. We are forgiven and free, but still grapple at times with guilt and shame. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk Jesus’ path, but we still stumble and falter. What gives?

The power of Jesus’ resurrection is real, but we live into it day by day. This is where Christian community is an immense source of strength. We gather weekly to give thanks for all God has given us. We recall our identity in Christ, receive encouragement and hope in his word, and feast at his table. Together, we remember and proclaim that we are an Easter people.

So gather with us again this Sixth Sunday of Easter to celebrate and proclaim with your family of faith, “Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia, alleluia!” Keep the party going!



Warmly,

The Rev. Susan R. Beebe+