Church News: May

The Joy of Easter

Spring is symbolic as a time of renewal and dedication. The earth is blessed with new growth, as ranchers and farmers welcome the birth of baby chicks, ducklings, calves and colts.

We feel blessed by the sudden beauty and abundance surrounding us, the warmth of the sun and the gentle breezes. Children eagerly search for decorated eggs and baskets. Church attendance gains a brief upswing since many people have a tradition of attending on Easter Sunday.

This is frequently followed by a celebratory family dinner. Families often travel impressive distances to partake in these celebrations.

Although Easter commemorates the life, death by crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus, in much of the western world it has many secular aspects, including Easter eggs and the Easter bunny. Easter-related goodies fill the stores and shop windows for weeks before the actual event, making light of the more serious origins of the day. Few people here take offense at being wished Happy Easter, taking it as a friendly holiday greeting regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.

Trinity Community Lutheran Church celebrated the day with traditional hymns and a glorious prelude and postlude, played by pianist Allison Chu and oboist Lucy Williams.

Pastor Jean Barrington presided and gave a heartfelt Easter message, encouraging us to meet the challenges we are encountering with the embodiment of those values we wish to see more of. As tired as we may be of dishonesty, we can only better it by meeting it with truth; as prevalent as hate may feel, permeate your world with love.

By the time the May issue of the All Point Bulletin goes to print, Easter will already be over. I hope you celebrated the day in whatever way was the most meaningful for you and your family.