Easter is the continuation of God’s interaction with creation.
God’s involvement with the world is not confined to the stories of old.
Easter marks the beginning of a whole new way of defining God,
It will happen again this year.
Just like it did last year
and the year before.
It will happen to the unsuspecting
and to those searching for it.
It will affect the young and the old;
the rich and the poor;
children and adults.
It will push away the darkness that haunts the mind.
It will fill the hole of loneliness that resides deep in the heart.
It will replace frowns with smiles.
It will bring hope to the hopeless.
It’s called Easter.
Celebrate it with us.
These words will again be published in our annual Easter ad in the News of Delaware County.
Several thousand of your neighbors will see them.
For sure, far more people will see this ad than will attend our service on Easter Sunday.
For me, even more important than attracting a crowd, the primary value of this ad is to let people know that Easter means much more to us than bunnies and bonnets and eggs.
Through this means, a portion of our story is disseminated to the world at large.
For us, Easter is the grand climax of the drama of Holy Week.
Far from memorializing the death of a person in ages past,
Easter celebrates the beginning of something new,
something altogether different.
We celebrate Easter as the continuation of God’s interaction with creation.
God’s involvement with the world is not confined to the stories of old.
Easter marks the beginning of a whole new way of defining God,
a whole new faith,
a whole new relationship,
a whole new way of living.
The poet says it is the suns’s birthday . . . the birthday of life and of love and wings.
Easter changes reality.
It redefines the laws of physics.
It brings a new way of looking at things:
life and death,
other people and ourselves!
For us, Easter is about discovering sparks of the Divine within ourselves and in our daily lives.
Easter is a huge birthday party for us as we celebrate the discovery and revelation of the true nature of our God – and of ourselves.
Once a year we focus on tending the ears of our ears and the eyes of our eyes to become more awake and more open to observing and celebrating the presence of Christ in our world, in our lives, today.
We do this, because like those early disciples, we so often look for love and truth and meaning in all the wrong places.
When they found the tomb empty, God’s messenger asked “Why do you look for the living here among the dead?”
That question is asked of us, as well.
Either we don’t know where to look, or we are afraid to look in the right places.
Come, help us celebrate the Presence of Christ this Easter Sunday,
See you in church – and bring someone with you.
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Remembering to Take Time to Take a Time Out
Lent begins February 13th .
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
16 Reasons for Be At Christ Church Easter Sunday
- You will be among friends.
- Celebrations are good!
- Your spirit will be up-lifted.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you wear.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter what you’ve done.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter where you’ve been.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you may have said.
- There will be familiarity to the service - presented in an informal fashion with full explanation of what to do when.
- Easter breaks through religious rituals to reveal the birth of a whole new way of doing things.
- You can help CPC break out of old odes of being church and reinvent a new church model more suitable for the 21st century.
- You might find new meaning and purpose for your life.
- You won’t be as lonely as you otherwise might be.
- You certainly will be appreciated.
- You would be listened to - and heard.
- Your presence would give hope to all others present.
- Where else, besides your car or shower, will you get to sing out loud?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing discipline.
Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, April 17.
Be with us each Sunday during this Lenten season at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing discipline.
Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, April 17.
Be with us each Sunday during this Lenten season at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years.
But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner.
Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
Be with us at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner.
Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
Be with us at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
We need Lent!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church each Sunday during this Lenten season to prepare for the coming of Easter.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church each Sunday during this Lenten season to prepare for the coming of Easter.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface – within ourselves --
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
On the first Sunday in Lent, March 13, we will be looking at a proper Presbyterian way to observe the Lenten season -- as we remember to his followers who wanted to make a show of their fasting and ritual prayers: wash your face and comb your hair!
Don't let on and don't make a show of what your do.
You are invited to join the congregation of Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill as you prepare for the coming of Easter this year.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface – within ourselves --
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
On the first Sunday in Lent, March 13, we will be looking at a proper Presbyterian way to observe the Lenten season -- as we remember to his followers who wanted to make a show of their fasting and ritual prayers: wash your face and comb your hair!
Don't let on and don't make a show of what your do.
You are invited to join the congregation of Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill as you prepare for the coming of Easter this year.
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