From the Pastor: April 12, 2004

     I’m writing this on Saturday – between the somber recollections of Jesus’ “Last Supper,” the agony of Gethsemane, betrayal, trial and death during the past week and the glorious celebration of the resurrection tomorrow. What a difference – in mood, in setting, in liturgical color! And what a message! We need every aspect of these truths concerning him who is the Way, the Truth and the LIFE. In his death, Jesus bore our sins so that we could be forgiven; in his life, we have the glorious assurance that “because he lives, we too shall live.”

     I have a dear adult nephew with Down Syndrome. When he was about 10 or 11 years old, I was visiting his family on a special occasion. I offered to help my sister in the kitchen and she suggested I keep him occupied in another part of the house. He had recently attended a Gaither concert and (knowing his love for music) I suggested we play a Gaither record. When it came to one song, he grabbed a cardboard core saved from a roll of paper towels, held it up like a microphone and, with face aglow, sang along from memory every verse of that song – and of course, the chorus.

     Because he lives I can face tomorrow;
Because he lives all fear is gone;
Because I know he holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because he lives.
(Printed and Used by Permission Under CCLi#649271)

     Praise God that is true! Let’s all live in joyful confidence and share that wonderful news!

      In the glow of the resurrection,

      Pastor Harriet

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