From the Pastor’s Desk… April 2024
The stone has been rolled away. It’s a
statement from the Gospels that I have been
struggling with as of late. From my
perspective, its significance is three-fold:
For three days it blocked the entrance
to the tomb, preventing anyone or
anything from entering. One could
imagine the lowest points of our
lives, moments where we struggle
with everyday living, can create a
“tomb” of sorts within us. It is these
times where we unintentionally
rolled a stone blocking the entrance,
preventing anyone and anything
from entering. And there we remain
in the safety of our own darkness.
On the third day, the stone was rolled
away – we don’t know who, when, or
how. Suddenly what was dark was
now filled with light. Take a minute
to think back over your lives and ask
the question: when was “my” stone
rolled away and by whom or by
what? How did you feel when suddenly the darkness disappeared and in its place
was the warmth, comfort, and peace of a beautiful light.
Jesus has been raised from the dead. The tomb is empty. Death is no more; it does
not have a stranglehold on our lives. Through his resurrection, the promise of eternal
life is fulfilled. And the only thing we can say to this is…
He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!!!
These last weeks have brought a tremendous sense of peace to my life. I’ve been
surrounded by blessings. This congregation has walked with me, with us, through a time
of anxiety and uncertainty. Friends have comforted me with words of support and
understanding – lending an ear when I needed one. My family – especially Sandy – graced
me with patience, humor and love, all needed in order to move “my stone” away. But it is
my faith in God – through Christ Jesus – that has led my out of the darkness and into the
light once more.
It is your faith that can do the same for you. We will experience the darkness of our “tomb”
– one that has been blocked by the stone we have created. And we are the only ones who
can move it or allow someone to enter our lives so they may do it for us. And that someone
is Jesus.
He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!!!
God’s Blessings and Peace
Pastor Neil
Pastor Neil’s Office Hours
Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
