All around us Spring reminds us that life renews itself. Yes, it is not that long ago that we saw some frosty mornings and sprinklings of snowflakes, but daffodils, tulips, forsythia and cherry blossoms tell us winter is behind us. As “Easter” people, we followers of Jesus embrace God’s ever life-giving and renewing power. God is always standing ready to offer us what we need to thrive and grow in new and renewed ways.
In many ways, life here in the building of First Presbyterian Church of Easton feels like we are a caterpillar coming out of a cocoon. After a season of being in “lock-down”, we are slowly unfurling our wings. I have heard community members share that they cried tears of joy and relief when they received their vaccination. I have seen two church members fully vaccinated (and masked) hug as they stood out in the church parking lot. I have heard grandparents joyfully tell that they have seen and held their little ones-after a long season of separation. This first Sunday in May, we “re-opened” for in-person worship. It is not exactly as it was, but it is a new beginning. We have made smart choices to keep one another and ourselves healthy by keeping apart-this is one way we live out Christ’s pro-active love. But now we are moving to a new phase. This new season will not be like any other. I invite you to wonder with me: What is God going to do in our midst, now? How will we respond to the Spirit’s prompting?
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
While there was nothing good about the loss of life in the pandemic, much heartache in a time of racial justice renewal and of social division, we can learn from the past 14 months. We now know, in a way we did not before, that we can innovate and adapt as a church community. And as we longed for certain aspects of church life, we have been reminded of what we truly value. (Music!!!) And so as we “come back” we have the opportunity to do a re-set of sorts. What can we leave behind as something from the past which does not fit into who we are as a church today? What was missing in our ministry over the past year—that you wish to put effort to bringing ‘back to life’. How can we refocus ourselves on our calling, our mission, our ministry and shall that purpose with new friends and partners? I ask you to consider the gift of the season of which we are in... the season of Easter. You personally may have had some realizations about who you are and what “gives you life” over the past months. As we, the church, come together again let us find clarity and renewed commitment as followers of the Risen Christ.
- Pastor Stefanie