It literally seems like it was just yesterday when I was preparing the front page for April’s newsletter. The time has certainly flown by.
Of course, the time in question took place during Lent and the entirety of Holy Week—a busy time in its own right. By all measures, the Lenten season (with our emphasis on “The Five Practices” in both the Wednesday night study and worship times) and Holy Week was a time of good energy, good numbers, and spiritual growth. Many thanks to those who helped out with the serving of the simple meals, for those who attended study, and for those who participated in worship. It was a rewarding time, full of activity.
In addition to the standard and customary Lenten activity, we also faced a time of transition in the church office, as Pam Miller, who had been our church secretary for over 25 years, announced her resignation. The time that followed included finding someone to replace Pam and then navigating the transition to a new person. I am eternally grateful to Pam, not only for her 25 years of faithful service (and for the many roles which she handled so well), but for her help in the transition, as well. We are pleased to welcome Anna Cortez to Salem’s staff in her capacity as Office Manager. She brings a knowledge of technology and a knack for organization to the position that is much appreciated.
And now we are into Eastertide!
As I have mentioned often, the Great Fifty Days is my favorite time of the church year. The news of the Risen Christ becomes the focus of these days. As I mentioned on Easter Sunday, the business of Easter is not to commemorate an ancient event, some 2,000 years in the past, but it is to live and breathe Easter in our own lives and in the life of the church. We live in a world that needs Easter—and the resurrection of our lives and all creation the comes with it.
Part of that celebration of new life and renewal will be confirmation of baptismal vows by five of our young people—Luci Blad, Morgan Clarke, Megan Fontany, Karlee Hartmann, and Cora Meyer—on Sunday, May 5th, at the 8:30 a.m. worship service. This has been an exceptional group to work with and they bring a lot of energy and creativity to the life of the church. Please show your support of their decision to confirm those baptismal vows and to be more fully a part of the life of Salem church.
Let the celebrations continue during Eastertide!
Your servant in Christ,
Rev. Jim Hoppert
