Easter Update: A Season of Hope and Celebration
We are in the midst of the great fifty days of Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Easter Sunday was filled with the sounds of music and rejoicing—beloved hymns, the Hallelujah Chorus, three baptisms, and a fun Easter egg hunt after the service. Earlier that morning, around 40 of us gathered at dawn to celebrate the risen Christ and share in a warm breakfast.
This special day was the culmination of a Holy Week rich with worship, prayer, and fellowship.
On Palm Sunday, we held our Easter Concert. Louise has faithfully carried on the tradition of excellence established by Pastor John. Even with the organ still in the shop, the choir brought the “oomph”—offering a powerful blend of music and emotion that beautifully reflected the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Afterward, many stayed for conversation over ice cream sundaes. If you missed the concert, you can still enjoy it online—links are available on our website and YouTube channel.
Throughout the week, we gathered for daily prayers, morning and evening, following Jesus’ final days as told in the Gospel of Luke and the Psalms. These times were deeply meaningful as we walked the road to the cross together.
On Tuesday, our North of Sixty group welcomed Timothy Long, who offered personal reflections and art history insights that opened new windows into both the world of art and the passion of Christ.
Our Maundy Thursday service was quieter and more reflective. Many of our young people led the readings and prayers, and we sang together a cappella.
On Good Friday, we gathered with our local CBWC churches for a joint service where Pastor Cheryl preached the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice with clarity and power.
All of this was held alongside the regular rhythms of our church life—youth group, Saturday lunch, children’s programs, and pastoral visits continued as signs of God’s ongoing faithfulness in our community.
Earlier in the month, we gathered for the funeral of Brian Chase, our fifth funeral this year. Brian had been part of our congregation for over 20 years, though declining health made attendance increasingly difficult. Thank you to all who came to honour his life and to bear witness to our hope in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is our hope. He is the source of forgiveness, daily strength, perseverance, and life itself. He is God incarnate—the one who walked among us, who suffered and died, and who now lives and reigns. He is the one who will raise us from the dead and set all things right in creation. Our hope is set on Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. May his peace and joy be yours again today.
May his peace and joy fill your heart today and always.
With love, Pastor Joel
Recent Blog Posts: [Return to POST list]