Pastor's Monthly Article (April 2018)

Easter and April - springtime is in the air! We have multiple reasons to rejoice as we ponder God’s merciful, loving grace and wonderful gifts. Without a doubt, we get to enjoy the beauty of it all! So great is God, who bestows upon us more than we’ll ever have known to exist, yet there’s more to discover for those who long and hunger for God’s Word.Easter and April - springtime is in the air! We have multiple reasons to rejoice as we ponder God’s merciful, loving grace and wonderful gifts. Without a doubt, we get to enjoy the beauty of it all! So great is God, who bestows upon us more than we’ll ever have known to exist, yet there’s more to discover for those who long and hunger for God’s Word.

In reflecting upon our Lenten journey this year, whether we allowed serious time for ourselves for spiritual care or participated in spiritual exercises, all of the above matters to God, which is why it should matter to us too. Having said this, there is always room for spiritual growth, an ongoing process through which we have the gift of opportunity to discover more of God in relation to ourselves and each other.

The liturgical colors, which are white and gold for the next few months, will remind us of the significance of its meaning of true joy and celebration. Living and breathing in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit is the fullness of our lives as God’s redeemed children. Therefore, our joy in Christ has been made complete.

The latter made me think about my personal unfolding moment while being at a silent spiritual retreat in Illinois last month. Prior to my arrival, I anticipated that it would be a spiritually rewarding and refreshing experience. Indeed it was, and as I came to discover, it was also a most fulfilling one in which I came to find myself physically as well as spiritually recharged. 

There were people from all walks of life, with a variety of different denominations, and religions. Indeed, God was able to meet us right there and then, though not because of anything that made us different but that which came to unite us. It was an extraordinary experience in the midst of the ordinary and a zest for living and loving the life God intended for us to live and enjoy. Through and through, such are God’s mercies. They are true every time, even before we call upon the One whose name is holy and worthy of our praise. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever more. 

Let us together celebrate Jesus Christ our risen Lord!
Pastor Anette