You must proclaim to all the nations a total life-change which leads to forgiveness and reconciliation in my name.—The Risen Jesus in Luke 24:46

The Christian church’s insistence on bodily resurrection stretches back to the very first Easter when Mary and the other women returned from the tomb, telling how they had seen the risen Jesus. He then appeared to the disciples. Thomas got to put his hands on him. The risen Christ prepared and shared meals with them. In each account, no one expected resurrection. Everyone was surprised and overwhelmed because resurrection isn’t an idea or a plan or a principle someone cooked up. According to the Bible, it’s just what happens when God breathes life into the dead and the dust.

Because God takes seriously our bodies and this beautiful, wonderful, magical creation, Jesus is undeniably clear on the matter of taking care of people and all the earth. Both before and after his death, Jesus insists that his followers do everything they can, giving and sacrificing whatever is required to care for every person and every amazing part of God’s created world.

The resurrection of Jesus on Easter begins the revolution of our lives and this world. In this broken and bruised existence, in our violent, selfish, and dishonest lives, everything must change. Resurrection is a change in direction—a radical reorientation. Resurrection is the call for the church to stand up and speak out and resist everything that is destructive, exploitative, and dismissive of the holiness of all people and all things that God created.

Resurrection changes our hearts from hard and unyielding to soft and forgiving. It changes our direction from inward and selfish to outward and generous. It changes our bodies from closed-fisted to open-handed.

When Jesus hung on the cross, just before he died, he said, “Father, Abba, Papa, God, into your hands I commend my spirit.” This scripture will forever remind us that nothing is finished until we, the church, give all that we have and all that we are to bless and serve all people everywhere and to oppose and set right all injustice, exploitation, violence, and greed that demeans and degrades people and the planet.

Resurrection doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t change everything. Easter is our call to join the revolution in Jesus’ name.

I love you, church! I’m praying for you. And I’ll see you in the streets as we take the forgiving and justice-oriented love of Jesus to the world!

 Pastor Jim

The Power of a Promise – The Seed that Bears Good Fruit

In April, we continue our study of the covenant promises in the Bible that hold our lives together. God has planted these promises like seeds in the soil of our lives. These promises are the foundation for good relationships with God, our neighbors, people everywhere, and creation itself. Join Pastor Jim in worship to learn about making and keeping Godly promises!

April 6, 2025—Lent 5
A Covenant of the Heart
(Jeremiah to Jesus)
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Proverbs 4:23; and Matthew 22:36-40

April 13, 2025—
Palm Sunday
King Jesus and the New Covenant
Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 22:15-20; and 1 Corinthians 11:26

April 17, 2025 —
Maundy Thursday Worship
6:30 PM in the Sanctuary

April 18, 2025—
Intergenerational Good Friday Worship
6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall

April 20, 2025—
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service
@ 7:00 AM on the Church Lawn

Easter Worship
@ 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary
The Resurrection and
Promise of New Life
John 20:1-18