April 7, 2021
Dear New Hope Family of God,
Well, spring is beginning, the daffodils have come, gone, and come back again and Eastertide has begun. I use the word Eastertide simply because it is the best word to describe what happens during the 50 days following Easter Sunday. It is literally fifty days of feasting and celebrating. Easter, the high point of the Christian Year solidifies the fact that we should party for so long. That we will do!
It only makes sense, 50 days following the 40 days of Lent. Fasting will pass away and feasting will begin! Why 50 days? Well, after the resurrection Jesus spent forty days on earth before he ascended into heaven, then another ten days after that before the Day of Pentecost, thus 40 + 10 = 50.
During our upcoming fifty days, we will embark carefully on some of the journeys that we have already in place, and we will preach and worship on the element of “stewardship”, both of time, talent (gifts), and finances. We will follow the Lectionary for the most part but as we wind down, ready for the summer to begin we will feast hardily on The Word of God.
Beginning on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:00pm we will resume our “in-person” Vespers service. We will meet on the lawn in front of the church from 7:00-7:30pm for a time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship as we wind down the mid part of our week. Then on Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00pm we will begin a six-week study using the book, Anxious For Nothing-Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado. Both of these activities will run through May. We will take a break during June and July, then begin a new study and a new prayer format in August. I do hope you will join us for one or both of these weekly events as we continue to learn to love and be the church!
Just a reminder that we will continue with in-person worship as long as the county threat does not enter “Red” again. I thank you all for being patient and safe during these early days of returning to God’s House. I pray that this will continue and vaccines will continue to lessen the impact of this horrible virus.
So, during Eastertide, remember to celebrate largely for 50 days as we do “the work of Jesus”. You have earned it through the love, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
I look forward to seeing you at church if you feel comfortable and safe coming. If not, join us on ZOOM every Sunday at 11:00am.
May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and bless you!
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Mark
