A Musing for April 5

GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS ….
Good news: finding Easter Eggs on Easter
Bad news: finding Easter Eggs at Christmas

I’m sure that disciples’ thoughts on “Good Friday” centered on “Bad News.” The unjust trial, abuse, and death of Jesus are a tremendous tragedy in the history of humanity. The good news is that Easter morning came! Jesus rose victorious from the dead; the horrors of humanity couldn’t keep him in the grave. That’s Good News!

The word Gospel comes from the Old English word “Godspell” which meant a good story. This was a translation of the Latin and Greek words (evangelion) for “Good News.” The Gospel is Good News! Jesus Rose from the Dead!

It was sad to announce my resignation on Sunday. The sad part is thinking about leaving all of you, especially the kids. Bad news. As a person of faith, I believe that God brings good news out of bad things. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We know that all things work together for good, for them who love God.” (Romans 8:28) This is good news and hope for the future.

Some have asked about my future plans. In May I will begin as pastor of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church near Atglen. Pray for me as I continue to pray for you.

GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Six weeks ago we planted our amaryllis bulb. We planted it with full faith that it would grow and bloom. We watered it and cared for it. Three weeks ago I almost gave up on the bulb. It showed no signs of growth; I didn’t believe it would grow. However, I didn’t know what was going on inside.

Then a small sprout of green appeared. There was hope. It would at least put out some leaves. It was alive!

Then it put out a stalk with a bud on the end. The bud is opening up and we should have a bloom for Easter Sunday! Good News!

Of course, the plant is an analogy of our spiritual growth. Those of us who have given our lives to Jesus are like the bulb planted in the soil. The church is responsible to care for the plant. Some of us don’t show any visible growth; but God knows what is going on inside. Some of us are growing, but we don’t know if and when the flowers will appear. Some of you are blooming beautifully!

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae,
“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.” (Colossians 1:6)

KIDS TOGETHER
We had a good group at Kids Together this week. I appreciated the help and leadership of Natalie and Ezria Heaps and Gwen Sill. This week Sherry Snyder will help lead the Kids Together program.

HAVE YOU NOTICED the “stained glass” pictures on the doors leading into the sanctuary? The Kids Together children made these during lent. They are symbols of Lent and Easter. The Bible proclaims the Easter message. Flowers, eggs, and butterflies are symbols of rebirth and new life. The crown of thorns and nails represent Jesus’ suffering. The cross is the symbol of Jesus sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).

KIDS CLUB
Many people contributed to the Kids Club ministry project. Thanks! The boxes for soldiers serving in Iraq will be packed on Sunday morning. “We Care” boxes will be sent to Jane Arena’s nephew, Chris Foley, and Betsy McGeorge’s brother-in-law, Dan Scheidel. I thank Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner for their help with Kids Club.

SEE YOU IN WORSHIP
Easter is a time when Church attendance tends to grow. The story is told about a man who was coming out of church on Easter Sunday. The pastor was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed the man by the hand and pulled him aside. The Pastor said, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"
My friend said, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?"
He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service!"

May you have a good week in God’s service.

Pastor Steve

This Week’s Motto: Cresco per crucem (“I grow through the cross”)