By the time the Chapel Chimes reaches you, a number of you will already know that we have added in-person worship services to the lineup of on-line worship services for Holy Week that were published in March’s edition of the newsletter. While I had good reason to believe that would likely be the case for April, I didn’t want to over-promise and under-deliver and put forward a schedule of services that we would have to cancel. One year ago, the feeling around us was one of fear and uncertainty; this year there is less fear but some of the uncertainty remains. However, the uncertainty is a bit different this time around. Most of us feel that a return to a more familiar life is not a matter of “if” it happens, but more a matter of “when” and “how quickly” it happens. As I wrote last month, shutting things down is relatively easy: starting things back up is harder. It is far easier to destroy than it is to build up.
As a reminder, we are still in need of people to usher for the in-person services of worship. The Worship Team can put together a plan for worship and our staff can prepare for places for attendees to sit, but we desperately need people to welcome people and usher them to their seats. I am hopeful that once the need is known people will respond as they always have. Thank you, in advance.
I will admit to you that the celebration of Easter last year was driven more by faith than by sight. People all around us were gripped with fear. The format of on-line worship was a new one for all of us and four weeks into the process we had not yet grown comfortable with it (OK, read that “I had not yet grown comfortable with it…”).
Even the weather for the day wasn’t cooperating, as it was dark, gloomy, and cool. Under those circumstances, we had to be reminded that we are an Easter people, and that when things are darkest we hold onto that faith all the more tightly.
All during the past year we have endured challenges and peril. Death through the virus and other means have touched a number of our lives. A number of us have been sickened. Yet, we have persevered. The green chutes of life have popped through the ashes and God has been present. Resurrection continues.
As I’ve shared with you before, Easter has grown to be the most important celebration in the church year for me as an adult. I have the feeling that this year it will be all the more important. It will be good to celebrate the fact that nothing in this life—not hardship or distress—or even death itself can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Easter shows us that the Risen Christ calls us forward to follow in his steps.
May this Easter be a time of joy and spiritual growth for you and those you love.
Shalom aleichem—Peace be with you.
Rev. Jim Hoppert
