APRIL NEWSLETTER 2024
“New life starts in the dark. Whether it is a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb, or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark.” Barbara Brown Taylor.
While reading during my devotions recently, I came across this quote from Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, an ordained minister, great preacher, a writer and college professor. I was able to hear her preach when I attended The Festival of Homiletics several years ago for continuing education.
What powerful words to express an understanding of "new life". We enter the season of Easter in the weeks after we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord on March 31st. The season is observed approximately 7 weeks, ending on May 19th which is the festival of Pentecost. Our senses are heightened during this season of the Church year. We are acutely aware of “new life” around us and yes- within us! This is because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ On April 7th, five youth will be affirming their baptismal promises (Confirmation). What a great reminder for us all that we have had promises made on our behalf and at a youthful age after being nurtured in faith formation, these young adults make this affirmation. It is an affirmation for a lifetime. As congregation members you were in on the initial promises; and that promise reaches on to you and continues in CONTINUOUS faith formation practices and opportunities. You NEVER stop growing, you are NEVER too old, or graduate from faith formation learning! There is daily promise that accompanies you along in the faith formation that began at birth and will end at death. Witness. Promise. Darkness to light. “Let your light so shine” and the promises that surround that gift. THIS IS GOOD/GREAT NEWS!
Despite the designated church season, we as baptized Christians— especially as Lutherans—practice daily “resurrection” and “new life/birth” because it is—well— our baptized way of life! Each and every day we begin in the dark and have the promise and hope of new life- moving from darkness to light--EVERYDAY! WOW. What a gift to celebrate and embrace.
In the coming month, and the approaching summer months, stop daily and give a heartfelt, gracious thank you back to God for the new life that His life provided for us. A new life which is full of promise and light--Full of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.
I can’t end this without my passionate reminder, invitation, or nudge that worship be part of your coming weeks. Yes, it is a busy time—but it is a brief time spent and it is refreshing and renewing like a good rain renewing the earth.
God bless us along the way.
Pastor Carol
