Dear Friends…

Over the years, countless videos have been posted of runners crossing the finish line. Some sprinters finishing in record time. Others marathoners looking like they could go another round. The most inspiring videos, though, are not usually of the winners but rather of those who struggle. Those crossing the finish line looking battered and bruised. Those crossing held upright, sometimes even carried, by others. This is how I see us this Easter. Some in good racing form, healthy and strong, others bruised and battered. Either way, it is by the grace of God we are here to celebrate another Easter, to give thanks for the resurrection.

In Hebrews we read,  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Together we cross the finish line of Lent. We let go of “every weight and sin”. We let go of hopelessness in order that we might “for the sake of joy” pick up the peace, the power and the presence of the Risen Christ in our lives, our church and our world.

I look forward to celebrating the Resurrection with you this Easter! In Christ…Pastor Sarah