Weekly News | 4.3.26

Last night we left the warm glow of the upper room and turned toward Golgotha. Today we orient ourselves around Jesus’ death, our eyes fastened on his face as he lived into what he preached:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Let us fix our attention on the self-giving love of Jesus. We are, after all, Church of the Cross! In his death we have found nothing less than the way to life. Our Family-Friendly Stations of the Cross (3PM-6PM) and Good Friday service (6:30PM) are opportunities to do so together.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

We resist the impulse to turn and run, embracing our own crosses in the light of the Cross of Christ. In doing so we won’t find easy answers. We probably won’t find immediate reprieve from the painful circumstances and uncertainties of our own lives. But we find the company and comfort of God himself. We are met by the One who suffered, died, and was buried.

And we anticipate Easter.

Even now, we look with hope and joy toward a horizon we know will come like the dawn - Resurrection awaits. On Sunday, we will celebrate - LOUDLY!

Sin and death will, in all likelihood, still exist come Sunday. Yet we celebrate because in the resurrection of Jesus they have been proven an insufficient foil for the life and love of God.

We will celebrate because the Resurrection has a claim on us and our world that is ultimate. It is ultimate and true even in the midst of aching and unfinished stories. Our celebration affirms reality, and our worship beats back the darkness and dullness that can seep in the cracks of life. Jesus gives resurrection life to us here and now.

In our Easter Sunday worship, we will adorn the cross with flowers. Consider bringing flowers - plucked from a sidewalk, snipped from your garden, or bought from your store of choice. We will also have flowers available to share, as we respond to the love of God with our own affection.  

Anticipating Easter with you,

Sarah+