When Mary looks into the empty tomb on Easter morning, the angel proclaims, “He is risen. He is not here…he is going ahead of you to Galilee.” I am writing this on the Tuesday after Easter and the church is full of people preparing the dinner and setting up the parish hall for our weekly Community Dinner. As I walk through the parish hall and kitchen I share greetings with people joyfully going about their work. It is like this every week. The energy builds all day.
Why do people come together like this every week to make food for strangers? How did this collection of people from so many different places (and faiths) come to be working together?
This is Galilee. This is the place that we encounter the risen Christ. Not in an empty tomb, but in the world as we do God’s work. He is risen, and he is here, in Shoreline, in Seattle, and in all the places where people gather in faith to do God’s work.
I would like to thank all the people who worked so hard this past week to make our Holy Week observances powerful, beautiful, and meaningful. The Altar Guild always has a lot to do in Holy Week, and they were a cheerful and supportive presence. The Sunday School was well represented this year at Maundy Thursday and with the hand chimes on Easter Day. Our ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, and Choir all gave heartfelt service. The readers elevated our worship with beautiful interpretations. The hospitality and feeding program teams helped with meals and coffee hour. The gardens are resplendent in their spring glory after the cleanup party. I am particularly grateful to our staff for their excellent work. We had wonderful sermons from Deacon Pat, Mother Carola, and Mother Catharine. The altar flowers were resplendent on Easter. The fire for the vigil was dramatic. I am also deeply grateful for your generous Easter offerings. Thank you.
Yours in Christ,
David+
P.S. Please plan to attend Tom Keefer’s funeral at 2:00 PM this Saturday, April 7. Tom was a generous and wise leader in this congregation for more than 50 years. We have a beautiful service planned with excellent music to celebrate a great life.