“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”’
Mark 16: 1-7
The month of March often brings a mix of weather; filled with cool windy days, rain, snow and hopefully, some warmer days with sunshine!
Recently, Maria, Andrew, Matthew, and I were on a family hike at Holy Wisdom Retreat Center. We were blessed to see and hear several returning feathered friends. The fields and sky where we hiked were full of migrating geese, sand hill cranes and red-winged black birds. Truly, it was a beautiful sight, and the various birds created a wonderful nature musical chorus! With that hike, we were reminded that there were signs of the season of spring everywhere, and we were hopeful and joyful of this good news!
As we continue on our Lenten journey, we are drawing closer to Holy Week and Easter Sunday. The life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is brought close to us in this time. Like the women at the tomb, we remember, and we look forward to the hope and promise of the resurrection of Jesus. As baptized Christians, we are called and claimed children. We, too, can be reminded of our new life that springs forth in Jesus Christ!
On Palm Sunday, we will be beginning the process of gathering for Sunday worship services and opening the doors at Two Steeples Parish. This is wonderful and exciting news! We have made plans to gather safely, and we hope you can join us as we worship in person. We look forward to beginning this next chapter in our life and journey together as a church family, guided with the help of the Lord!
Praise and thanks be to God!
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Peace, Love and Joy in Jesus!
Jim ><>
