Risen

[The young man] said to [the women], “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.  Mark 16: 6

Grace and peace to you.  Today, on Holy Saturday, we wait in silence for the Easter light that is to come.  

Over the past two days we have been heaping story after story of God’s enduring love for the world–beginning on Maundy Thursday with Jesus’ command to love one another and continuing yesterday, Good Friday, as we recalled Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.  

Tonight at 7 PM at the Great Easter Vigil, we will light the new fire, the Easter light — a symbol of God’s love that meets us in the sorrow and suffering of the world. The Rev. Lisa Work will sing the Exsultet, an ancient hymn of praise. We will tell stories of God’s love that reach all the way back to the beginning when God created the world. We will proclaim “Alleluia, Christ is risen” and renew our promises as people of the resurrection. The Rev. David Potter will preach the good news and, once again, we will break bread together.  A festive reception will follow.These are ancient rituals. Come. May they carry you in suffering, lift you in joy, and sustain you in life.

Tomorrow, Sunday morning, at 9 AM and 11 AM we celebrate Easter Day with great song and fanfare. The children’s choir will offer an anthem at the 9 AM service and the adult choir at 11 AM.  At 10:30 AM children are invited to hunt for Easter eggs hidden in the back lawn. God delights in our joy.

It is the Lord’s Day
Come you who have much faith
and you who would like to have more;
you who come often
and you who have not been for a long time;
you who have tried to follow Jesus
and you who have failed.
Come. It is the Lord who invites you.
All are welcome.

The tomb is empty. Jesus is raised!  See you tonight, and again tomorrow.