April 2017 ~ Letter from Pastor LuAnn

We are fast approaching the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  A day when we see clearly that death is not the end – violence is not victorious – Light overcomes darkness – the Lord is risen.  These themes shape our focus for Easter Sunday – but they also define our reality for every day.   In 2009 I jotted down these thoughts which were later shaped into a song. Tested and tried … tears are cried … broken and blessed … come and rest … by the cross. You are mine … love defined … freedom grows … mercy flows … by the cross. Grace and peace … hope released … blind eyes see … I believe … by the cross. Victory gained … mercy reigns … grace flows down … I am found … by the cross.   It is not the physical cross that accomplishes these things, but the love of God lived out in the person of Jesus who was obedient and faithful to God’s way and God’s will.  We don’t worship the cross, but we recognize the power that it represents for us.  The power unleashed when Jesus was obedient unto death and persisted and pressed through so that you and I could follow him to the Father.   We worship Jesus.  We celebrate our Savior who lives in us and through us by the power of God’s Spirit.  Because he lives, we live!  We have received more than we could ever comprehend … by the cross.   In grateful response – will you join me in worship?  I mean, WORSHIP!  Bring your best to the sanctuary.  Give generously and extravagantly.  Expect that God will touch your heart, increase your awareness, heal you body mind and spirit.  Remember that God’s love is a powerful force for change in you and in the world.  If you seek him he will be found by you.   It’s time to stop worrying about who is right, who is wrong, who is worthy.  It’s time to step up and step in to the work of the kingdom – to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God; to be salt and light in a world in need of flavorful illumination.  You and I possess what the world is looking for – whether they know it or not.  So let’s just be generous and give what we have received freely.  Our God will not neglect to replenish what we pour out for his glory.   In Grace and Peace, Pastor LuAnn   He came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; ¹⁸ for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, ²⁰ built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.^[e] 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; ²² in whom you also are built together spiritually^[f] into a dwelling place for God. Ephesians 2:17-22