A Message from Our Pastor: May

Dear Church Family,

I write this May Gleam article basking in the afterglow of what seemed to me a deeply meaning-ful Holy Week in our church; and I know that I express the gratitude of our congregation for the very special teamwork that brought us several moving worship experiences. Topping the list was the beautiful music brought to us by Andrew – both his wonderful talent on the organ, and the beautiful music offered by our choir under Andrew’s direction. Palm Sunday was both a wonder-fully festive celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; and a most moving re-telling of the pas-sion narrative. The presence of Andrew and the choir made the Maundy Thursday Seder Feast & Vigil of Gethsemane, and the Good Friday Prayer Service of the Seven Last Words a most mov-ing experience of sorrow which actually brought peace to our hearts.

We are grateful for the time and effort of other teams as well: Carol and Allan Stevenson, and those who worked with them doing the setup for the Seder Supper. Fellowship Hall was a place of beauty on Thursday night! And we must not forget (how could we?) the delicious food served by Bob Downey and his cooking crew! The efforts of these hard workers truly made Holy Week come alive for those who were blessed to participate.

And then came Easter! Our Easter worship was beautiful this year, for a number of reasons. First, I want to thank Jan and Frank McNary, and their team of dedicated artists who, yet again, trans-formed our sanctuary into the magnificent Easter garden which helped us feel as if we were in-deed approaching an opened tomb and an unsealed grave! It was truly magnificent; as was the music brought to us by Andrew and the choir! I want to thank all the members and friends of our congregation for turning out in larger and healthier numbers to celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Adding to the joy of Easter, once again, the Sunday School children staying with us during the whole service made the day extra-special! And again, the music that filled our sanctuary surely signaled that Christ has risen again in the hearts of those who love and serve him.

Sunday worship during the month of May brings its own very special moments of celebration. On May 4, as we share in Easter Communion, we will celebrate the second anniversary of our church’s decision to become a Reconciling Congregation. On May 11, we will again celebrate the Festival of the Christian Home with a special tribute to mothers. On May 18, we will celebrate Heritage Sunday by honoring John and Charles Wesley with festival music and hymns – A Great Day of Singing! And on May 25, Memorial Sunday, we will, in worship, honor those who have given their lives in service to our country.

As the month of May winds down, and we transition into June, the season of Eastertide gently, but forcefully, gives way to Pentecost. During this beautiful season of transition, we move beyond the witness of the empty tomb, to find empty lives made full! What is of critical importance to the church, is not only the rising of the historical Jesus, but the rising of a faith, the changing of lives!

Please be sure to mark your calendars now – for Pentecost Sunday, June 8 – a very special moment for our congregation as we re-enact the “birth” of the church. In worship, we will all be honored to participate in the Confirmation and Reception of our youngest and newest members of the body of Christ, and the Affirmation and Welcome of other new members into the fellow-ship of our church! May this be for all of us an opportunity to experience a re-birth of our faith and a renewal of our spirits!

I hope to see you in church through the season of Eastertide as we celebrate the many resurrection appearances of Jesus, leading us on to Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit!

Peace and Love,
Pastor Chuck