Happy Easter to everyone. Christ has risen. He has risen indeed! Alleluia.
I plan for this to be a short letter. I want to enjoy Easter with my family: three grandchildren, two daughters with their husbands, and three dogs. Everyone’s a little hyped up on sugar. You can imagine what it is like in the parsonage. Multiply that by ten, and I think you are close. Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way … for a while. For us who are grandparents, I think you understand.
I really hope Lent and Holy Week moved your heart. Out of it, I hope you are a little different because of it. I was thinking of all the people who were involved, and I think a very conservative number would be over fifty people from the congregation. So many people, some you saw, but others who worked behind the scenes to make Lent and Holy Week special. There is no way I’m going to try to mention all of them. It would be too hard. I just want to thank all who were a part of it. It takes so many. Make sure you thank them.
I was surprised by the amount that has been collected for our Capital Campaign. I don’t recall when it officially started, but we are a shade over 60% there. Who knows, maybe when you read this letter, it will change again. I was bouncing the idea of all who participated this last week with our Council President, Don Anderson, and his comment was not only that we have a congregation that gives of their time, but are also very generous with their financial gifts. Very true.
Next week, we will be having a baptism on Sunday. On Saturday’s Easter Vigil, we remembered our baptism. Next week, we get to do it in person. She is the granddaughter of Jane and the late Ron Meisel.
Her name is Alanya Jade. Ron was a long-time member of our church. Now, two generations later, we are baptizing his granddaughter. Definitely exciting for a pastor.
On Sunday, April 26, our Synodical Bishop Stacie Fidlar will be worshipping with us. There will be no Saturday service that weekend. It is one of the things our Bishop does. She tries to go around the Synod, worshipping in the churches she serves. It is one of the many things that make our Bishop special.
Well, two grandchildren, one daughter and her husband, and one dog have returned to their home. Very glad for a Netflix special, which quiets the other grandchild. Maybe I can even get a nap in. Again, Happy Easter to you. Now it is time to turn to the season of Easter.
Christ has Risen!
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the second Weekend of Easter, April 11 & 12
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31