April 2009
From the Pastor
Easter is April 12 this year, and can’t come too soon for some folks. Not only are they sick and tired of the snow and cold of this winter (it’s not your imagination: according to the weather people this one did break some records), the economy is in a tail spin (You know we’re in trouble when the world’s richest man describes the economy as going “off a cliff.”)
We could all use a bit of good news, and that’s just what Easter is all about. Indeed, it is the Good News. It is testimony to the fact that the power of God is greater than anything else. It reminds us, that, yes things may be bad, but God is ultimately in charge.
The first followers of Jesus experienced their own roadblocks and set backs. According to the Gospels and the Book of Acts, only about 70 people actually saw the risen Christ. There were those who did not believe the Easter message (even the male disciples did not believe the female disciples when they told them), and yet those who did found new hope and new life. They continued to spread that message despite opposition and persecution.
There are many ways for each of us to spread the Good News of Easter. The other night on TV, I saw a story about a church that encourages people to “twitter” the worship service to their friends and family. United Methodist Communications suggests that each church should have a “facebook” page. The best method, however, is still the oldest and most reliable: Tell someone. Invite someone to come with you on Easter Sunday. Especially someone who’s had it tough and might not have a church to go to on Easter.
See you Easter Sunday!
Pastor Tony
P.S. There will be two special events during Holy Week this year. On Thursday, April 9, at 7 P.M., we will have a pot luck dinner, which will conclude with communion. This is a great way to get a sense of what that last supper with Jesus and his disciples might have been like. Please bring an appetizer, salad, main course, or dessert.
We will also host the Medford Interfaith Good Friday service on April 10th at noon. I hope that you will be able to attend one or both of these services.
