Dear Friends in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I really like this picture. Two Episcopal priests, a Lutheran pastor and the Provisional Bishop of both Western and Easter Michigan Dioceses together. You wouldn’t know the difference from the picture. Well, maybe the Bishop’s purple shirt gives him away. But we are each called to be ordained servants of Christ. It is a privilege for me to be a part of this community. For a few moments we could laugh and enjoy the moment to be together. There is no forgetting all that we have experienced and continue to experience with COVID19, the heartaches of loss in our parishes and the present situation with the world at war, but there is still a place for smiles and laughter.
This Sunday we will have an opportunity to share in smiles and laughter as well. We can shout out the Alleluias! Robustly sing the Easter hymns. Listen to the Easter proclamation, that He is risen! Why? Because you and I are Easter people. We live the resurrection and nothing can take it away – Not death, nor sorrow, nor pain, nor financial problems – no one! Celebrate in knowing God does love you. Celebrate knowing one day we will be with our loved ones in the Church Triumphant. Celebrate the outpouring of grace, forgiveness and new life given us in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Join me and be a part of the Easter family. We are an Easter people. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Blessed Easter to you and yours.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Dave+
(Pictured above, left to right: The Rev. Gail Shaffer – Trinity, Grand Ledge; Bishop Singh; Rev. Carol Spangenberg; and yours truly) – Picture courtesy of Rev. Gail.