From the Pastor’s Desk

––––––––– May 2024

Dear Friends,
This is month is often a time of great transitions. Spring colors spring forth in flower gardens. Trees wear the color green now. Fields and gardens are turned over to black dirt and seeds are planted. Air becomes warmer. School closes for the summer. Graduations happen. A newness sweeps across our lives, usually quite welcome!
This is the month a huge transition happened for the followers of the Resurrected Christ. He ascends to Heaven. Yet, he does not leave us void. He is now present through the power of His Holy Spirit. Just as seeds grow under the earth and are watered and fertilized, and weeds are pulled out, we experience such things in our spiritual lives. 
Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are called each of us individually through the gospel, enlightened, sanctified and kept in the one true faith. In the same way the Holy Spirit does this for the whole church. Through the forgiveness of sins we live in the trust of life everlasting in Heaven. 
It is this truth within the Holy Trinity which we honor on Pentecost Sunday, May 21. This is a grand festival Sunday! 
On that First Pentecost Sunday the apostles received the ‘tongues of fire’: Commissioned to go into the world proclaiming the Christian faith. That commission has not ended. It continues through each and every generation – through each and every one of us and the whole church. Come, dressed in colors of fire – red, orange, yellow, blue! Be afire for the love of Christ for you and the faith bestowed upon you. Come, remembering that we are asked to continue to grow in our understanding of God. Come, knowing that Christ’s Holy Spirit dwells within you, promised in your Baptism, lived in the forgiveness of sins, outpoured for those yearning to hear and to receive God’s saving word for them through Christ’s Sprit in you!
The Pentecost journey begins. It lasts a lifetime!

In the Spirit of the Risen Christ, Tamara J. K. Keen, Pastor

––––––––– April 2024

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that the very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”  – Romans 8:26

Dear Friends, 
There are experiences in life that are simply, “beyond words.”
It might be the absolute breathtaking beauty of a new born baby in our arms. Maybe it is the magnificent expanse of the horizon at dawn or dusk with its artistic colors and paintbrush sweeps that continually change before our very eyes to bless us. Then there is the Lord’s breath that whispers melodies through the leaves of trees opening up a new world to awaken us. 
And when our world shifts, crashing in upon us, we experience life beyond words, too: the loss of our dear loved ones … the concern when a loved one is so sick and we can’t take it upon ourselves or fix it for them … the witness of horrific, unconscionable acts against another, causing them great harm.
Beyond words.
Much of life is a journey within the reality of beyond words. Conveying the depth of what we think, feel and experience often leaves us speechless. It is a humbling experience to be sure, and sometimes frustrating, and even frightening at times. We have a need to connect with others, to feel and to be understood, so words for expression are so important to us. Yet, at times words just seem to cease and a void is very present.
When life is beyond words, it is a comfort and blessing to know that the Spirit of God speaks on our behalf. Because sometimes, it feels as if our prayers just come up short and we are searching for how and what to pray.
We have just passed through Lent and Holy Week. The enormity of this time in the church year is beyond words. Even more so, when we realize that these are not empty words in an old book, but the words read from God’s Holy Word are true and timeless, and for each of us. The depth of humbleness and honor; shame and guilt; forgiveness and joy; love and peace; hope and promise are truly beyond words.
Praise and thanks to you, Lord Jesus Christ and for the abiding presence of your Spirit who knows us and prays on our behalf.

In Service of Our Risen Lord, Tamara J. K. Keen, Pastor

––––––––– March 2024

Dear Friends, 
As I think of March and Lent and the journey of faith that Christians are in as we humble ourselves in honesty and repent and receive forgiveness, I cannot help but be reminded of St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer:
Christ be with me, 
Christ within me,
Christ behind me,
Christ before me,
Christ beside me,
Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me…
This is also one of our Lutheran hymns, “I Bind Unto Myself Today” The words in translation may be a bit different, but it is the whole prayer of St. Patrick.
St. Patrick had an eventful life, to say the least. Born in the late 4th century in Britain, he was the grandson of a priest and the son of a public official, who was also a deacon. He was captured at age 16 by pirates, sold and kept as a slave herding sheep for 6 years in Ireland. He believed his slavery was due to his lax involvement in religious practice and so he vowed to learn more of God and to develop a life of prayer. He finally escaped his enslavement and made an arduous journey back to his home, nearly starving to death at the age of 22. He studied for priesthood. Returning to the area where he was a slave, he solicited the help of area kings to protect him. This was not a Christian area. He formed a school, missions and converted many, ordained priests and consecrated nuns. He was a sincere, simple man, who truly believed that if any good came from him, “it has been a gift of God.” He became the Second Bishop of Ireland. He is the patron saint of Ireland and of Nigeria. St. Patrick was so much more than 4-leaf clovers for good luck. He was a man of devout faith and prayed ardently. He prayed for the embrace of Christ to be all around him.
In this season of Lent and as we move into Holy Week at the end of the month, we long Christ to be with us and within us, behind us and before us. We pray for him to fight for us and to win for us as he dies upon a cross for our sins. We pray for Christ to be the Lord of all our life, to guide and shield and protect. 
In our broken lives and world today, we need to pray for Christ’s presence, as sincerely and ardently as St. Patrick. We need to believe that his presence is here, that he is very much alive in the lives of believers across the world. We need to wear this breastplate of Christ’s presence in all we say and do. The journey is not always easy, but we are not alone. Christ is with us. Our religious practices of faith remind us of the story of God’s love in Christ for us throughout Lent and Holy Week. May this season of year bless your faith richly.
“‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’ do not fear; for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9b-10)
“…It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed interceded for us…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God which in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

In His Service, Pastor Tamara J. K. Keen 

––––––––– February 2024

Dear Friends,
How do we serve our God? How shall we serve our God? These are important questions to ask ourselves individually and as a church.
Ministries vary at home, work, school, church, community, world. Some things are very simple and spontaneous; and others take much planning and involvement. Some have been going on since forever! Others have yet to be dreamed! Some use our talents well. Others may press us in the uncomfortable learning zone. Some talents and ministries are unknown. While some are yearning to find a place to serve God and others. Some ministries continue to serve well and some have passed their purpose at this time.
It is always good to periodically review the ministries we have in a church. It is particularly wise to visit the topic of ministries together with a new pastor. What do we long to preserve? … What would we like to move toward or accomplish in ministry? …What would feed your soul? … How would you like to participate? … Are your thoughts being heard? … Do you wish that _____? …
For the purpose to further learn where your hearts are for the ministry at St. John’s – Vilmar, we will host a “Dream Team” meeting in the fellowship hall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 for any and all interested people, of all ages! It will be a time for brainstorming, where no thought is crazy or impossible – that’s brainstorming. We serve a God of the impossible, so if that is God’s Will — look out world! With your input, we can begin the process of reflection, prayer, discernment, prioritizing, and action with the shared information and vision for our congregation.
To be sure this is an on-going venture, the path may have a few detours, some periods of construction, and some rest stops may be needed, but the ultimate destination is to serve and glorify God and His Will within St. John’s – Vilmar, our communities, the NALC, the nation, and the world.
Each of you have some thoughts on this. I need to hear them. The church needs to hear each other. Come and listen. Come and share. Come and dream. Where is the breath of God moving in our church?

– Pastor Keen

––––––––– January 2024

Dear People of St. Johns – Vilmar,
These frequently repeated words marked my life for the past couple of years, “It’s in a box in storage in Minnesota” or “My life is in a box in storage in Minnesota.” Life in a box. Life waiting. Life far away.
Sometimes life is on hold. Dreams are deferred. Hopes are shattered. Visions are yet to be realized. The time and season of our lives are just not ready. We wait.
Sometimes we intentionally put our lives in a box, so afraid of the outside world and unable to trust ourselves or God.
Sometimes the box is a necessity for protection and maintaining what is important to us.
Sometimes boxes fair well and other times, not so much.
Sometimes the outside looks horrible, crushed from the weight around it, and yet, the interior items are amazingly in good condition.
I could approach this metaphor, “life in a box,” in so many ways to lift up messages of scripture for life. Given this time of year and that I now have all my belongings in one place with me, I am experiencing this perspective, the surprise of what is in each box that has been placed away for so long.
Pictures of loved ones, Bibles held and read by my parents, music, poetry, and programs written by my mother, artwork by my children, quilts and hardanger and cross-stitch items from family and friends and I am reminded of the marks that these people have made in my life and continue to make in my life, whether in Heaven or on earth. I become overwhelmed with the treasure. Yes, the item means a lot to me. Yet, even more so, is the heart of the giver. It is the heart that is the real treasure.
Traditionally, gifts are given at Christmas. We look forward to the surprise of what is under the wrappings in the box. We may guess what is inside the box. We may or may not be pleased with what is in the box. We open our boxes at different times. We give to a few select people.
God’s heart is born in human form in Christ Jesus and is laid in a cattle box – a manger. It is not in storage. Our wait is over. He has come into our home. He has come with this purpose — to save us all, not just a few select people from darkness and sin, but everyone. He has come to show us the way. He has come in love and righteousness to a world that needs him. He is our deepest treasure. St. John says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people.” (John 1:4) “And the word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son; full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
This treasure, that we celebrate and cherish at Christmas, does not remain in a cattle box, he will journey with us throughout all our years, to show us the way of life and truth. He will show us his love on a cross for our sins. He will be the fulfillment of our heart’s longings. It’s a great box to have opened!

Shalom, Pastor Tamara J.K. Keen

––––––––– December 2023

Dear Friends of St. John’s – Vilmar:
As I pen this month’s letter to you, it is Thanksgiving week and I am easily reminded of how grateful I am to be called to serve as your pastor. When God blesses, He really blesses! My heart rejoices to be in a congregation that is so faithful, kind, supportive, fun-loving, thoughtful, servant-oriented, mission driven, scripture and worship fed … my list could go on and on and on. It is as if Christmas has already arrived! 
Though Thanksgiving and Christmas are very different holidays, the giving with love and thankful hearts; acknowledging God as the source of all good gifts and Christ, himself; spending time with family and friends … surely weave through both of them. This time of year, is full with good things to be cherished, remembered, and celebrated. I pray that each of you have a very meaningful season in your own lives, as well.
I am well aware of how hectic life can get in this season, but I hope and pray that you grace your days with an extra measure of time with the Lord. Maybe it is extra time in prayer, or listening to a special song, or reading a little more in scripture or creating a quiet space just to be … whatever it may be, be intentional in gifting Jesus and yourself with time together. It helps prepare us to see and to receive the wonder and miracle of the birth of Jesus who became one of us that we might believe in the depth of his love, forgiveness and compassion for us. This babe in the manger saves the world one day. He is worth an extra measure of time. Holding him in our heart and mind, let’s us realize just how much God holds us in his hands every moment of every day! We are not alone. God is with us! Immanuel.
Blessings to you this very special season of our faith life.
In the Lord’s Service, Pastor Tamara J. K. Keen
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:29)
“Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10)
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

––––––––– November 2023

Dear People of St. John’s – Vilmar,
As I write this, I am in the process of packing and preparing for my move to your congregation/parsonage. Many people are involved in this endeavor and I thank you for all of your help. It is truly appreciated.
I believe that prayers have been answered with God’s blessings and in His good timing for our ministry together. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as your pastor and look forward to getting to know you and discovering how we can honor and love God with our service together. Know that I extend an open invitation for conversation … prayer … Holy Communion … though I will be scheduling visits, you are welcome to contact me, as well.
We are approaching a very eventful time of the church year. Reformation Sunday, All Saint’s Sunday, Christ the King Sunday, Advent, Christmas, the Baptism of our Lord all within a couple of months. I am looking forward to these especially holy times of the church year. May we pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire us as we experience the deep meanings of these special times and how they reflect our lives and God’s presence and promises for us. Gathering together as God’s people is especially significant in these times. I am glad I get to share them with you.
Now, I was asked to share a little bit about me. Hmmmmm, where should I start (and stop – tee hee!) on a life that spans a few or more decades? Suffice it to say, I was raised in a Christian family on a farm in west-central Minnesota – Donnelly, to be exact. I attended a country Norwegian church where my mom was the church organist and choir director. Yes, we sat on the first pew, organ side every Sunday. Being the last born, the ‘we’ became “I, alone” sat in the first pew as time went on. Many people sat farther back though, so I wasn’t completely all alone. My home church reminds me a lot of Vilmar in style and people. It feels like home.
My mother taught seventh and eighth grade English for most of her career. My dad farmed and then managed the fertilizing plant in our little town of 252. I have three older sisters, who all live in Minnesota as do their families.
I attended Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and majored in Religion and minored in Scandinavian Studies. During and between college and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, I worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aid at a Lutheran Nursing Home in St. Paul called Lyngblomsten.
My internship year was in Mason City, Iowa at Our Savior’s on South Jefferson St. Maybe some of you know it. Pr. Ken Hatland was my supervisor. He was wonderful. From there my ventures took me to the Central States Synod (Kansas and Missouri). On the far western plains of Kansas (one block away from Mountain Time Zone), I was certain I could see unchartered territory of the western movement. I had never seen anything so expansive. It was incredible. Since that time I have served parishes in Wichita and the surrounding area, Springfield, Missouri and Batesville, Indiana. I have had the pleasure of a variety of congregations: small, large, country, small town, city, solo, staff, shared congregations, part-time, full-time. I have served as a full-time hospice chaplain, as well. Each experience has been valuable.
I have four adult children all in their twenties and 1 granddaughter at this time. My eldest, Makenzie, is living in Vermont as she pursues her graduate degree in nutrition. Some of her specializing is in the area of food sustainability, land/agricultural/livestock realities, social and political policies … Moriah is in her internship year as a School Psychologist in El Dorado, Kansas. She is the queen of all table games and cards. Adam is the adventurous one, who has bicycled a variety of places. His farthest trip was from Valparaiso, Indiana (where he currently lives) to the Panama Canal during Covid restrictions, no less! Though it was very stressful for this Momma, he seemed to weather all conditions quite well. He even designed and developed a bicycle accessory that helped him greatly. He is currently marketing that in America and in Japan. My youngest, Olivia, is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is a coach and marketer for Orange Theory Fitness in Wichita. She has given birth to a precious little girl, Kehlani, who is the joy and delight of us all. She will be two March 12.
As for me specifically, besides being a pastor and a momma, I also enjoy, being outside – gazing at sunrises, sunsets, stars and clouds; strolling through fallen autumn leaves; laying in a blanket of soft, sparkling snow (I am from Minnesota, huh?!); and waves rolling in and out on a beach. God’s creative handiwork is inspiring and it is new every day. Though I am not an athlete, I love to run and do other aerobics, like zumba, turbo-kick … I love nestling into a really good streamed series or great movie! Food always works – especially popcorn and potatoes and pickles. I spend regular and significant daily time in developing spirituality through prayer, scripture meditation and journaling. I desire to understand, trust and love God as fully and deeply as possible, and myself and others, too. This is one of my primary ways of processing life and faith.
Well, so much for that ‘nutshell’ of a biography! Are you awake?!
Until we meet, which will be sooner than later now – “May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:22-26)

In the Lord’s Service, Pastor Tamara J. K. Keen

“Jesus Loves Me”

He has risen!
He has risen indeed!
What a wonderful message we share today! Jesus is alive! He has risen from the grave, and He is triumphant over death! He has conquered sin and the devil. Darkness shall be no more!
When I was preparing for today’s service, I was reflecting on those words, and thinking about how we got here – to Easter Sunday. We can’t have Easter without the rest of Holy Week.
And my mind started wandering back to when Emily – my niece – was 3 years old, and just beginning to attend Sunday school here at Vilmar. From time to time she would miss class when she was spending the weekend with her dad. It wasn’t a big deal, because, as her teacher, I just took the Sunday School lessons home, and when she returned, we'd have a make-shift Sunday School class in the living room. As you know, we don’t have Sunday school on Easter Sunday, so on Palm Sunday, I would teach the events of Holy Week to the kids and then on the Sunday after Easter Sunday, I would share the resurrection story with them.
That was just my plan, and how I liked to teach … so when Emily returned home on that Palm Sunday 13 years ago, we sat down on the couch together, I grabbed her Bible, and I began reading her the story of Palm Sunday and recounting the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  
As I was reading I was putting emphasis on the betrayal and pain that Jesus endured. Pain that he bore for each and every one us on the cross. When I looked over I could the confusion and hurt in Emily's eyes. But I continued to read, and you all know how Good Friday ended – Christ gave up his life on the cross. As I explained to her that Jesus died, and as she looked at the pictures in the Bible, her young mind simply didn’t understand. I distinctly remember telling her, for the first time, that the Roman soldiers killed Jesus. And it was at this point, tears were streaming down her small face, as she looked at me and whispered, "Aunt Monica, Why would they do that to Jesus?"
The innocence of her hearing the Easter story for the first time and the emotions it draws out of all of us, makes me think of Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter from our Gospel lesson today. They were there at the foot of the cross when Christ gave up his life. I can’t even imagine the sorrow and grief they must have felt after witnessing the terrible events of Christ’s betrayal and death. They truly didn’t know what would happen next. Christ had told them he’d rise again, but surely in that time and place, it must have seemed like all was lost.
I imagine they had the same questions, wondering why. Why these things were happening? And more importantly, why was God letting it happen?
Today we know why the Roman soldiers killed Jesus. Greed. Hatred. Jealous. Envy. Fear. They didn’t believe that Christ was truly the son of God. They thought he was performing his miracles with the help of the devil. They saw him as a threat to the Roman society.
But why did God let this happen? It’s really a simple answer - just one word. Love. Unfailing, unconditional love. Love that we just sang of – Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so; Jesus loves me, He who died; Heavens gates to open wide; He will wash away my sins, let his little child come in.
At 3-years-old, Emily had heard the song “Jesus Loves Me” countless times. This was the song our family sang to stop her from crying, to calm her down, to help her sleep, or to keep her occupied. She even had a stuffed lamb that played the song for her. Her young mind knew who Jesus was and the fact that He loved her. So, it’s easy to see how the events of his crucifixion left her troubled and upset so many years ago – the same way it did the disciples and followers of Jesus during Holy Week. They knew Christ was perfect and innocent, but they couldn’t comprehend what was about to happen. 
We, however, know the whole story. So, I offered Emily some condolences and told her a surprise was coming on Sunday – and that Jesus would be ok. But, to a 3 year old, that reassurance wasn't going to be enough (and with mom scolding me for making her cry) I opened the Bible once more and continued reading and told Emily the same scripture we heard today – the message that three days later – on Easter Sunday – Christ rose from the dead. As she dried the tears from her face, her eyes were wide open, and she listened with awe.
Again, we can see the similarities to Mary Magdalene in our lesson today  – On that very first Easter morning, when Mary and Peter found the empty tomb, it left them with more concerns. We read that Mary was crying, and we heard the questions she asked, with her own confusion as to where Christ’s body was … and then we rejoice with her in her astonishment when she realized she was talking to Jesus 
Today – Easter Sunday – the scriptures have been fulfilled. Christ rose from the grave just as he said he would. He wipes away our tears with victory over sin and death. He forgives our sins and gives us eternal life in the breaking of bread at his altar. He gives us peace and takes away our fears and doubts. He opens the scriptures to us and gives us saving faith.
This was all part of God’s divine plan to save us. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again for you and for me; for all believers.
We are all sinners. Not a single one of us is perfect. We have all fallen short to the glory of God. That’s a pretty heavy cross to bear, but Jesus offers hope in His death. His promise to all of us is that we will never die, but have eternal life with him in Heaven. He took the punishment each of us deserves for our sins. 
We know life isn’t always easy. Sometimes it doesn’t seem to make sense and we feel as lost as the disciples felt following Christs death, but when we remember that God is in control, and we put our trust in Him, we can appreciate how blessed we are. God loves us, and offers us grace, hope, and mercy. He gave up his one and only son for the salvation of all of us.
Jesus is our heavenly king. Eternal life is the great reward promised to everyone who believes in Christ for salvation. We can have hope in the face of death if we believe and have a personal relationship with Christ.
As we gather together today and devote ourselves to the scriptures and prayers, I pray this message is a foretaste of the feast to come on the day that has no end.
Christ is the Sun of Righteousness. He brings healing, forgiveness, and eternal life to all believers. We must be faith-filled stewards of Christ’s message – that through his body and blood we are offered forgiveness of our sins. I invite you to share that message with all those around you. 
How privileged and blessed we are to know Christ as our savior. To know the end of the story. To be filled with hope and to know that some day, when death comes to each and every one of us, Christ will be there. Welcoming us into our heavenly home.
Jesus was innocent. Just like innocent lambs were sacrificed in the Old Testament, on Good Friday, the Lamb of God himself – Jesus – laid down his life. He took the punishment for all our sins. He is the greatest example of love the world has ever seen. May we all remember to praise God for this unconditional love – not just on Easter, but each and every day.
He has risen!
He has risen indeed!
Amen.

Respectfully Submitted By: Monica Edeker, Director of Communications

“Sermon Notes”

This past school year, many Sunday mornings I had our confirmation student helping me operate the sound system and live stream from the balcony. Each Sunday when it came time for him to record his sermon notes, first I’d have to remind him to do so, and then I’d hear the accompanying grumble of, “Why do I have to?” Pretty typical for any junior high kid, really. 
Personally, I’ve been there, done that. And I probably had the same mentality then. But looking back now, I’m glad I had to take notes, because to this day I still occasionally jot down a simple quote or two as the pastor is delivering his sermon.
One Sunday the student asked me, “Why do you write sermon notes? What do you do with them, Miss Monica?”
“I take my notes home and type them into a document on the computer,” I replied.
“But, why?” he asked me again.
My answer? Well, because sometimes I need reminders. Some days I open up that document and read through the notes. I take those small snippets from the many sermons and lessons I’ve heard and I am reminded of how to live my life for Christ. I am reminded of how to let Christ’s light shine through me so that others will see Him. On occasion I even use those notes to help me write devotions for our Sunday School kids and youth, or sermons for the Luther League.
Sure, I can get the same words from reading the Bible, but there’s something about hearing them preached, something in me, in that moment that says, ‘hey write that down, remember that.’ Over the years that document has grown with words of wisdom from the many pastors and lay leaders who have preached at Vilmar. Today, I’ve compiled multiple into a message that I would like to share with you all:
We have to ask, “What do we want others to see and hear about Vilmar?” And our answer should be simple:
We are more than an organization, we are an organism — the living body of Jesus Christ, loving others in His name and sharing His Gospel in word and deed. 
We are here to be an object of God’s love. To be that, we must first read the Word, hear the Word, and then live the Word. We should live our lives and walk by our confession of faith by believing Christ enough to act on that faith, and encourage one another. We need to connect with those who need Christ’s gift of salvation. The Lord expects us to call the lost. We must gather the sheep. We must listen and hear His call and act on it. Our mission is to win people for Christ by spreading His word. The disciples knew that following Jesus was never the easy path, but the only life-giving path.
So, I pray that each and every one of you embraces the mission to be guided by the Word of God, working for renewal and reform focused on this one central mission: making disciple-makers for Christ.

Respectfully Submitted By: Monica Edeker, Director of Communications

“God Gave Us Easter”

He is Risen! He is risen, indeed!
When we think about Easter, we need to remember that this day is part of a larger story that God had in mind. A long time ago, God’s children wouldn’t listen to him. They didn’t even believe in him anymore. It made God very sad and angry. So, he sent a huge flood to start anew with Noah and his family. After the flood, God gave us a rainbow as a sign of his renewed relationship with us. 
But, since his children had broke their promise, he had to find a new way to keep us connected forever. God wants nothing more than to be close to us, his children. So, He sent his son, Jesus, to keep the promise we broke. It is through the death and resurrection of Christ that all believers have been saved from their sins. God forgives each and every one of us, because Jesus paid the price for us on the cross. He defeated death and the grave for us. 
At Easter time, we see many symbols and decorations of Easter eggs. The eggs can help remind us that, just like the shell cracks open and a small chick comes out, we remember that Jesus was in a tomb, but he didn’t stay dead. Not even death could trap God’s son. He is life itself. And God loved us so much that he wanted us to be with him always. Just as we read in our second lesson, John chapter 3, verses 16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
We can see signs of God’s plan all around us. Just like when a tree falls in the forest, it makes room for new trees to grow; out of death comes new life, and that’s how God’s wants us to see Easter. Just as it is written in First Peter, chapter 1, verse 3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
On that first Easter morning, when the women went to the tomb, they were expecting to find Jesus’ lifeless body, but instead they were surprised to find the stone rolled away and two angels telling them that Jesus had risen. And what did the women do with this information? They went and told the others.
This is something we must do today, and every day. Our faith in Christ must be the same way. We cannot have a static faith – it must be an active faith. We should be encouraging one another, and connecting with those who need the gift of salvation. We are Christ’s co-missionaries; we are to tell others who He is and what He has done for us. Just like those first witnesses who went and told the others, we must do the same. We must share God’s love for one another by preaching and teaching the gospel to everyone. We must share the good news, that… Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
We are born to love life. God loves life, but sometimes we have to let go of one thing so we can move on to another. For instance, if we think about a river. Rivers don’t end, they eventually flow into something bigger – the ocean. Heaven is like the ocean for us. Because God gave us Easter, we can be a part of something bigger. And even though we talk to Jesus through prayers now, in heaven we will see him face to face. Easter is a reminder of this promise of eternal life and salvation. 
When we needed hope, God gave us his son.
When we needed forgiveness, God gave us his son.
When we needed to learn how to pray, God gave us his son.
When we needed to know that God understood our pain, he gave us his son.
God gave us EVERYTHING we will ever need when he gave us his son.
Easter is a time of celebration, and a wonderful reminder that we get to be with Christ forever, because God gave us his son – Jesus Christ – who shed his blood, died on the cross, and rose from the dead to save us from all our sins on that very first Easter. 
Jesus washes all the stains of sin away, and He comes and lives within us. If we believe this, we have hope of being with Him in eternity. 
And that is why God gave us Easter.

Respectfully Submitted By: Monica Edeker, Director of Communications

“Stained Glass Windows”

Let the light of Christ shine through you

I once heard an analogy that a saint is like a stained glass window. When it’s cloudy, the image in the glass, while it is still there, it also appears somewhat dark and gloomy. But when the sun shines through, the colors in the glass become radiant and we see the beautiful image the artist intended to create.
The same can be said of us. Our artist and creator, the Lord our God, has made each one of us unique and beautiful like a stained glass window. When we leave God’s word behind and go our own ways – falling into sin and neglecting to live godly lives – much like the image in the glass, our world tends to be dark and gloomy. However, if we stay in God’s word and strengthen our faith through prayer, worship, and praise, and we let Christ’s light shine through us – the image is radiant, bold, and wonderful.
It sounds simple enough, and it paints a nice picture, but how do we really achieve this? The pastors in the church are teaching and equipping you and I to go out into the world with them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We grow our faith and we learn by participating in worship each week. If we start each day with Christ in our hearts – by reading His word and talking with Him in prayer – in turn, these good actions, words, and deeds will become our habits.
But unfortunately, these Christian ways are frequently neglected in our society today. Do we just follow the norm, go with the crowds, and leave God’s law behind? No. As Christians, we are to do what is right, simply because it is right. It doesn’t matter if what everyone else is doing wrong. As followers of Christ, we are to do what is right. 
We are all sinners by our human nature. Though we must strive to be better, we know we will fall short. Nevertheless, as believers, we know that Christ came to earth. He was crucified on the cross. He bled and died to save us from our sins. And through His resurrection, we are saved. By our faith, we know that He paid the ultimate price for each and every one of us.
However, there are many un-churched people in the world, people who may not have the opportunity to attend a church service, who aren’t able to read the Bible, who simply don’t know Christ and all that He has done for us. While many of us may not have an official title of “pastor,” that shouldn’t stop us from ministering to them and to each other. As the body of Christ, we are to be His disciples. It might not be easy; it may be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but we are here to be an object of God’s love and connect with and share the gift of Christ’s salvation with those around us.
The Lord isn’t stuck inside a building, a home, or a church. He is everywhere we are, and He is reaching out to us, to use us to help others. The opportunities are abound for us to share our faith and let Christ’s light shine through. We just may be the only Bible that someone ever “reads.” So, I encourage you to start with prayer: talk with the Lord; lift others up; ask for healing and forgiveness; thank Him for his blessings; praise Him for his wondrous works; and ask for guidance on how you can serve Him. And then, listen for His call.
That call might be to volunteer for a mission trip. If you can’t physically go, maybe you can offer support through financial donations. If that isn’t an option, maybe you can serve by helping at a local fundraising event or leading a Sunday School or VBS class. You could bake treats for a bake sale. You can call an elderly member just to say hey, or send them a card. Maybe it’s exchanging a friendly hello with one another at the store. You can offer to help a neighbor with yard work or drive them to an appointment. You can even share a Christ-centered post on Facebook or just offer a word of encouragement. The opportunities are endless, and they don’t have to be over-the-top gestures. Simple kindness goes a long way, and wouldn’t Christ do the same for you? Of course. He’s already done that and so much more for each and every one of us. 
Let’s share that good news with one another. Not for glory or credit; don’t seek recognition or reimbursement – do it from love. Do what is right, lend a helping hand when you can, and instead of putting others down, try lifting one another up in prayer.
With that, I challenge each one of you – be a stained glass window and allow Christ’s light to shine through you in all you do. I’m sure the picture that others will see and feel from your good works will be amazing.

Respectfully Submitted By: Monica Edeker, Director of Communications