A word from Pastor Bette…

As we turn the calendar to April, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of the empty tomb.  This year, the joy of Easter arrives early - on April 5th - matching the sudden burst of spring color outside our windows.  But the 'New Life' Jesus calls us to, isn't just about a change in the weather or a single Sunday celebration; it is a total transformation of how we see and act in the world.

There are many parallels between the vibrant growth of spring, and the continuous spiritual renewal Jesus invites us into.  In the Wesleyan tradition, this is often viewed as a lifelong journey of grace.

Just as Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb and emerged himself, Jesus calls us out of our own 'graves'—places of habit, fear or past regrets.  New life requires the courage to leave that which is old and dark behind.

In nature, growth is gradual.  In the Spirit, new life is a gift given instantly through grace, but nurtured daily.  We cannot do anything to “earn” this spring; we must receive it.

In John’s account of Lazarus being raised from the dead, Jesus didn’t say, 'I was the resurrection.' he said, 'I am.'  Jesus is talking about life.  Life lived in the moment.  The new life he offers us is available on any random day of the week in April just as much as it is on Easter morning.

What does 'new life' look in our community?  It looks like forgiveness when we’d rather hold a grudge, hope when the news gives us every reason to be anxious, and perhaps letting go of judgement and our fussy critical eye.  We can look to see whether the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) are active in our thoughts, words and deeds.

In the days and weeks ahead, I challenge us all to look for the 'resurrection moments' in our own life.  Where is God pulling back the stone for you?  As we lift up the Risen Christ this month, let us not just admire the lilies, but let us become the evidence of his living power.  May we walk out of our doors this spring as people truly made new.  May we be the people who hear and follow the voice that awakens us.  Praise be to God!
With love and peace,

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