April 13, 2022

Beloved in Christ:

For the first time since 2019, we are gathering in person at Calvary to walk the way of the Cross and to mark the three days – the Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday services – in our holy space, lifting our voices in prayer and song, together.  The joy this brings me is almost indescribable. The bustle and busyness around Calvary this week is energizing and hopeful as so many come together to ensure that every piece of silver is polished, every musical note is practiced, every bulletin is finalized, food is ready and the table is set.  We come together in preparation and in anticipation of gathering in hope and celebration. In community we walk the Way of the Cross with Jesus from the Last Supper to his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his followers, the trial, and the Crucifixion. The story does not end there. This year we need that story of miracle and Resurrection in a way that I can feel in my bones. In the midst of all that we are dealing with in this world that is sad, even horrific, darkness and grief, the light that shines in the darkness, the light of God that will never be overcome by darkness, is the light that will draw us into hope and the promise of new life. God’s promise in Christ that death will never win, love wins, new life wins, is the good news that each of us needs to hear, and needs to tell out to the world.

It’s time to sing out those words that we hear at the end of every burial service in our church:  “Even at the grave we make our song, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia”.  It’s time for our Alleluias. God craves our Alleluias. We need to say them and sing them loudly and bravely. Listen to the birds that are singing every morning in the dark right now; even in our cool and rainy spring weather, the birds remind us every morning in darkness that the dawn of God is right there, on the horizon.  Nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Alleluia!  Praise to God!  Jesus Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen indeed!  A Happy and Blessed Easter to you all.

With love and faith in our Risen Lord Christ,

Beth+