I know that I say this every month, but I can’t believe how fast time flies. I’m still recuperating from Christmas and trying to set my feet firmly in Lent, and now I have to think about Easter—the Great Fifty Days.

Easter begins at sunrise Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost. Easter is the heart of the Christian tradition, during which time we celebrate the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate, and life over death. The significance of the empty tomb or of the resurrection itself is not due to “factuality.” Rather, significance rises out of implication – nothing can hold back the triumphant power of love and the un-restrainable power of life. Hope, love, and life are the realities of our own making, in communion with one another, and in covenant with God. This is the story and power of Easter.

Whether we believe in a literal resurrection or a metaphorical one, or even something in between, Easter not only reminds us of the presence of God, but it provides us the opportunity to experience the risen Christ again each year. But before we get to the miracle and mystery of Easter, we wander through the forty days of Lent. Without the preparatory time of Lent, the Easter event cannot have the mystical and miraculous impact it otherwise could.

We continue Lent with a Tuesday video series exploring questions of faith and discovering different ways to walk our faith journeys. Enneagram sessions are available. And, if you are interested in a new member class or inquiry class, this is an especially appropriate time to join in conversation about joining in covenant with WPUMC. Easter is traditionally a time for baptism and new member reception, symbolizing new life in Christ.

Holy Week begins March 20 and we will participate with other area churches in an ecumenical Palm/Passion Sunday event (more details to follow). Make sure to check the email digest and bulletin inserts for information regarding special Holy Week services or prayer opportunities. It is only after this time of prayer and contemplation that we can joyously emerge into the Easter event and the Easter season.

Shalom
Katie