April 2023 Newsletter

​Well as I write this there is still a layer of snow on the ground and it is hard to imagine that April will be here in a few days. April to me typically means spring and spring is a time of rebirth. However, for our Resurrection Family this year, April is going to be just plain busy.
 
April 2nd is Palm Sunday and we will gather to recount the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His passion and crucifixion using the Cry of the Whole Congregation. The story flows into our Holy Week services, which are really one service over three days (the Triduum). On Maundy Thursday (4/6 @ 7pm), remembering the last supper, we will celebrate the eucharist and hear again Christ give us a new commandment and we will remember His love for His disciples through the washing of feet. Good Friday (4/7@ 7pm) will bring us back again to Calvary in a solemn service commemorating Christ’s crucifixion. But then, Easter Morning (10am) brings a festival worship service celebrating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! We will also enjoy Easter Breakfast together (sign up for attendance and to help out is on the kiosk). This year families are invited to share Easter Blessings with other families through the sharing of bread and wine. If you wish to participate, package a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine along with a short blessing for another family. Place it in front of the altar and after the service choose another’s package to share with your family at Easter dinner (thanks to Kacz and Cindy for this new idea).
 
Following Easter the council’s attention will turn to something that is bitter sweet at best – The transition of Resurrection from the ministry of Pastor Mary to something reborn. I’m reminded of what she often says, “Living things change.” Some time in mid-April the council will meet with Kristin Nielsen, the bishop's assistant (or her representative) who will enlighten us about the process we are about to undertake. In an effort to be as open and communicative as possible we will have a brief informational session after worship on Sunday May 7th. The purpose of that meeting will be to provide an overview of what we can expect in the transition process and to answer as many questions as we can (though there will, of course, be much we don’t know).

Besides Easter, April will also bring other celebrations! Sunday April 23rd will be Confirmation Sunday. We will celebrate with Layla and her family as she affirms her baptismal promises.
 
Plans are also underway for Sunday April 30th, Pastor Mary’s last Sunday with us. If you have ideas or would like to help plan a worship service of Farewell and God’s Speed, reach out to Anita Marlin. Kacz and Cindy are looking for help planning and executing the “Party of a Lifetime”. I would appreciate help preparing the recognition and thank you. I strongly encourage everyone to watch their emails and weekly announcements closely as specifics about the day and opportunities to help out unfold.
 
Blessings, Tom