March 2026 - An Easter Prayer

This Easter, we pray for a renewed spirit of hope, joy, and unity within our community of faith. May the Risen Christ's victory over darkness inspire us to live as faithful witnesses, spreading love, peace, and grace in all we do. We ask for blessings of healing, strength, and deeper faith, empowering us to be a welcoming, caring family that reflects the light of the resurrection. Amen.
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I came across this short Easter prayer recently and was struck by how well it captures the heart of the season. It reminds us that strength and renewal come through the resurrection. Christ’s victory over death is not simply something we celebrate once a year—it is the promise that God is always bringing new life out of what seems tired, uncertain, or even impossible. The resurrection equips us for the journey, strengthening us as disciples called to share Christ’s love and grace in the world.
That promise of renewal is not only something we celebrate spiritually—it is something we are beginning to see take shape in the life of our congregation as well.
One example is the progress we are making in our efforts to advance our land use plan. We have held listening sessions to hear ideas, hopes, and questions from members of the congregation about how we might use our property more fully in support of our ministry. The hope is to discern which parts of the plan we might pursue in addition to the much-needed roof and parking lot work. Ideas include functional gathering spaces such as outdoor deck, patio, or a pavilion, as well as more contemplative spaces like a memory garden or walking path.
We have just completed the final scheduled listening session and will follow up with those who were not able to attend. Our next step will be a congregational town hall in early May where we will share a summary of what we heard and present possible options based on those conversations. The goal would then be for the congregation to vote in late May on a final plan and budget for the projects we choose to pursue.
Another exciting sign of renewal is the formation of an Adventures in Renewal Team. As I have written before, Adventures in Renewal is a Spirit-led process that encourages churches to listen deeply, experiment with ministry, and build meaningful relationships within the community.
Over the past few years, we have begun to “dabble” in these kinds of experiments with things like Suds and Stories of Faith, Coffee and Conversation, and our Community Pet Blessing. Last year we also launched Rooted in Love Yoga, which flips the script a bit since it takes place in our building—while many Adventures in Renewal experiments happen out in the community.
Now we are taking the next step by forming a small team that will help guide and encourage these efforts. The purpose of this team will be to help our congregation listen to the stories of our neighbors, discern where God may already be at work in our community, and invite the rest of us to participate in those relationships. Our hope is that by listening and connecting in these ways we will discover new opportunities to live out our calling as the body of Christ.
We have already had a couple of people step forward to be part of this team, and we would welcome others who feel called to join this work. If you are interested, please speak with Pastor or me.
As we approach Holy Week and Easter, it seems fitting that these conversations about renewal are happening in our congregation. The resurrection reminds us that God is always creating new possibilities—bringing life, hope, and purpose where we might not expect it.
My prayer this Easter is that we will continue to listen for where the Spirit is leading us—both within our congregation and beyond our walls—so that together we may share the freely given love and redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior.
Easter blessings, Tom
Looking Ahead
Midweek Lenten Gatherings
Simple Soup Suppers and Midweek Lenten Services continue on Wednesday evenings through March 25. Soup is served at 6:00 pm, followed by worship at 7:00 pm. Come for a simple meal, fellowship, and reflection as we journey through Lent together.
Bible Study Opportunities
You are invited to join us for weekly Bible study:
• Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm on Zoom
• Thursday mornings at 10:00 am in person.
Learning Together – Intergenerational Education
Our next Learning Together session will take place Sunday, March 22, following worship. These gatherings bring all ages together for conversation, learning, and faith formation.
Entering Holy Week
The most sacred part of the church year will be here before you know it.
Palm Sunday – March 29
We will gather to remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and begin the story of his passion and crucifixion.
The Triduum: One Story Over Three Days
Maundy Thursday – April 2 at 6:00 pm
This year we will experience something new: Dinner Church. Instead of gathering in the sanctuary, we will meet in the fellowship hall to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist while sharing a meal together.
Good Friday – April 3 at 7:00 pm
A solemn service as we return to Calvary and remember Christ’s crucifixion.
Easter Sunday – April 5
• Easter Breakfast – 8:00am (before worship) (sign-up available on the kiosk)
• Festival Worship – 10:00 am
Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life.