Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Dear First Pres Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of the Risen Christ, the one who lived and loved and died and rose again—all to demonstrate the depth of God’s love for us.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Finally we get to shake off the fasting season of Lent, and feast on the joy of the empty tomb of Jesus. Death is not the final word—for Jesus or for us—the resurrection showed that God has power over what we fear the most. A new thing is happening, and nothing will ever be the same. This doesn’t suddenly mean our lives will be rosy—we’ve seen too many Easter seasons come and pass to believe that—but it’s a reminder, right there where the unused burial clothes are neatly folded on a stone, that we can trust in the promises of Jesus.
One last reflection from Henri Nouwen:
“Easter season is a time of hope. There still is fear, there still is a painful reminder of our sin, but there also is light breaking through. Something new is happening, something that goes beyond the changing moods of our life.”
My prayer for us as we enter this new season: of the church year; of opening up after the worst (we pray) of the pandemic; into a wider range of ministry and service—my prayer for us is that we’ll embrace this Easter hope with energy and creativity, and with love and joy.
That brings me to my announcement. We have been advised by a medical professional that we can safely take the next step toward full reopening. Last night the session voted to accept this counsel, and so as of this Sunday we are relaxing our mask requirement for in-person worship. The vaccination requirement remains, but wearing masks is now optional. Some will choose to keep wearing them for health reasons and to protect others—we who serve Communion will continue to mask for the serving of the Sacrament. But…they are no longer required.
So let me summarize:
1. Only fully vaccinated people should attend in-person worship and other church events.
2. Masks are no longer required, but can be worn at each person’s discretion.
3. Children who have not been vaccinated will wear masks when feasible.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Stay tuned for further announcements about events and ministry opportunities in the life of this wonderful church. See you Sunday!
Blessings to you,
Pastor John