Minister's Easter Letter
Easter greetings in the name of the Lord,
For the first sixteen years of my life Easter revolved around milk chocolate and festive locksmith rabbits. When I came to faith as a teenager, I realized for the first time that Easter is about so much more. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Cadbury Creme Eggs, chocolate bunnies, and watching the kids hunt for craftily concealed confectionary. We have a rule in our house that dad gets all the unfound candy. Let’s just say that the Easter Bunny is very good at hiding eggs every year. But as great as all of that is, it pales in comparison to the side of Easter that I learned about in Church when I was sixteen.
For an insecure teen knowing that the God of the universe loved me unconditionally was life changing. To learn that He had a purpose for me was incredible. That He would give His life for me was almost too much to comprehend. And this is why every Easter we as a family enjoy our Peeps and those weird candy eggs, while also focusing on the most important part of the season: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
It is for this reason that I invite you and your family to our Easter services at the end of this month. We have been working really hard behind the scenes to create a worship experience for both adults and children that will help refocus us in a meaningful way on the miracle of Easter.
On Sunday March 24th (10:00 am) we will celebrate Palm Sunday with shouts of Hosanna! as we wave Palm branches and consider what it would be like to welcome Jesus into our community, and what happens when we do. Here’s a hint: it’s Something New!
On Friday March 29th (10:00 am) we will journey to the foot of the cross utilizing five scripture readings and five candles which will be snuffed out sequentially as we move through the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of our Lord. This will be a more solemn and reflective service, but I promise that it will be powerful for all who attend. There will be childcare on Good Friday.
On Sunday March 31st (10:00 am) the Church will be bathed in colour and light as we proclaim that He is Risen Indeed! There will be Sunday school for children and a special kid’s time. The organ will declare that Jesus Christ is Risen Today, and the homily will focus on living a new life in the reality of resurrection. The choir is practicing something special, and I just know that this Easter at First Presbyterian is going to be one to remember.
I would like to personally invite you to gather with us as we celebrate this special season together. Our prayer is that you and your family will experience the love and grace of our Risen Lord in a powerful way this Easter.
In Christ,
Rev. Alton J. Ruff