_.png)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. -Mark 1:35
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. – Luke 24:1
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. -John 21:4
Three mornings. One, early in Jesus ministry, one at the dawn of his resurrection, and a third before he ascended into heaven. Can you imagine the experience of the women that first Easter morning? The coolness of the morning air, wet feet from the dew, the musty smells of rock and moss, cricket chirps replaced by the peeps of birds, perhaps the salty taste of sleep or tears at the corner of their mouths. But of all the experiences of that morning, it would be the slow, imperceptible transition from darkness to a flood of light that stood out the most.
This Easter we invite you to join us for a new tradition. An Easter campfire followed by a true sunrise service. Whether you join us for worship at 6:30 am or join us outside for the campfire at 6:00 am you are welcome to join a silent procession from the campfire into the sanctuary through the choir door.
We are really excited about our Lenten anticipation of this big day. On Wednesdays in Lent we will meet at a new time – 6:30 pm - because there will not be a meal and we want to give families room to get home for bedtime. The theme will be the spiritual practices of Lent. Lent is truly about what Christ has done for us. We will take time to think about how God works through daily routines to make himself known. Perhaps you will join us for your first fast during Holy Week. For others it will be a better awareness of things like solitude, sacrament, and simplicity.
Our Sunday theme is Come Together. Who knew something as small as a face mask could divide us from family and friends? There are so many ways that we deal with fear and uncertainty. We find security in a perception of control, a set of rules to follow. For others it is the opposite. We feel threatened by anything that challenges our perception of liberty. There was and still are no shortage of things that can divide us. This Lenten season our Sunday worship will focus on healing and reconciliation. Not just the appeal for us to come together but the power of God to change the way we feel about and treat each other. God has, God will and God is bringing us together.