April Pastor’s Manna

Filed Under Archives, Pastor's Notes

            When I was growing up, I used to be confused about Holy Week.  The crowds celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem by waving palm branches, and laying their cloaks on the road?  What on earth did “Maundy” mean?  Why was Friday “Good”?  And if Jesus died on Friday… how is it that Easter Sunday is three days later?

            Obviously by now I have found my answers, I can even tell you what Maundy actually does mean, but in answering some of these questions, I have become more aware of the questions that I cannot answer, questions of eternal significance such as:

  • How could a God love me so much that he would send His son to suffer and die?
  • If sin is conquered by the Easter message, how does that affect my day to day life?

This last question really poses the most significant question for each of us.  If we do not live our lives as Easter people, if Christ’s death and resurrection do not cause us to make changes in both who and how we are, then we have to wonder, are we really getting the message?  Do we really understand the significance of Christ’s death and suffering on the cross?  Do we understand enough to lead a change life?

As we enter this month with Holy Week, culminating in Easter, let us rededicate ourselves to living as Easter people, with changed lives, celebrating the grace and love and forgiveness we know through our resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ!

In Him,     Pastor Jon

P.S. Also, join with me in celebrating that for the first time since I started here in February of 2008, we are finally, fully staffed with permanent staff members!  Early in March, we welcomed Doug Walters as our Director of Christian Education, which brings our church staff to full strength after years of having either unfilled staff positions, or staff members serving on a temporary basis.  We are very excited about the ideas, enthusiasm and genuine care Doug has for the youth and young adults of our church and are excited about the direction his ministry will take us.

Posted April 3, 2010, 1:41 pm | Comments Off