Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’

When interrogating Jesus after his betrayal, Pontius Pilate asks, “What is truth?” Frederick Buechner’s reflection about this passage has always been a favorite of mine. Instead of Pilate cynically asking his question, Buechner thinks Pilate asks it with a lump in his throat. He writes, “Instead of truth, Pilate has only expedience. His decision to throw Jesus to the wolves is

We may not be like Pilate, but we, too, wrestle with our desire for expedience. We live in a world of instant gratification filled with fast food, video on demand, and immediate results. We like for things to be quick, simple, and easy. Some things in this life are like that; others never will be.

The events of Holy Week are not quick. They are not simple. They are not easy. Day by day, they slowly, deliberately move us closer to the foot of the cross, causing us to reflect upon difficult stories that pose challenging questions–such as Pilate’s–without providing direct answers. Each day enriches the mystery of our faith while also reminding us that it is not always a straightforward path we walk. Some weeks are harder roads to travel than others.

Tomorrow, Good Friday is especially like that. On that day our Lord and Savior, teacher and friend will be crucified. How does that impact our answer to Pilate’s own question of “What is truth?” If we could rush into the light of Easter without first walking through the darkness of this day, would our answer be different? How does Christ’s own suffering impact what is truth for you? How does that inform our response when the world suffers still?

Buechner concludes his reflection by writing, “Pilate asks ‘What is truth?’ and for years there have been politicians, scientists, theologians, philosophers, poets, and so on to tell him. The sound they make is like the sound of crickets chirping. Jesus doesn't answer Pilate's question. He just stands there. Stands, and stands there.” May we never forget the truth on which he stands. John describes that truth earlier in his Gospel when he writes, “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.” Praise be to God for a savior who suffers for us throughout the events of Holy Week and suffers with us in this world still. May we stand with the gospel of Jesus Christ alone whenever we are asked, “What is truth?”

In Christ,

-David

Join us this Easter Sunday for a full morning of worship and fellowship!

Our Sunrise Service starts at 8:15am followed by an Easter Egg Hunt and time of fellowship before our regular worship service at 10am.

As always, all are welcome!

Isaiah 25:6-9

Isaiah 65:17-25

John 20:1-18

Romans 6:3-11

"Who Are You Looking For?"

Confirmation class takes a break this coming Sunday for Easter and reconvenes Sunday April 24 from 5-6:30pm. Youth Bible Study meets Wednesday, April 20 at 6pm. Contact Tyler for more details.

Want to help support our youth? Volunteers are needed to provide meals for our Sunday and Wednesday gatherings. Click here to sign up!

For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, the different programs supported by OGHS fits together to serve individuals and communities by providing safety, sustenance, and hope. Give online here or pick up a brochure in the narthex to see how you can help!

The Church Office will be closed Monday, April 18 in observance of Easter and will return to normal operating hours on Tuesday.

Ladies, save the date for “Unholy Mess: Clear the Clutter to See What Matters Most” an event led by local author, business owner, and certified professional organizer Angie Hyche on Sunday, April 24 at 2pm in the gym. Contact Alda Smith (daldas@charter.net) for more information.

Our dear friend Jan McIver is retiring this spring with April 29 as her last “official” day in the office. To show our appreciation, we are collecting monies for a “Love Offering“ for Jan. Anyone may make a monetary contribution by mailing or delivering a check to Sarah in the church office by April 29. All checks should be made payable to Jan McIver.

PCUSA is providing aid through the ministry of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to address the humanitarian crisis created by the war in Ukraine. PDA responds to national and international crises and is mobilizing to provide food and other needed supplies to those in Ukraine. You can learn more about their important work here. If you feel called to contribute financially, please do so through PDA's online giving portal here.

Mark your calendars for a joint VBS this summer! July 10-14 we will join with our friends at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church for a time of fun and fellowship open to all preK-fifth grade children in our community. More information to follow!

Out of an abundance of caution and a shared desire to love others as Christ calls us to do, Covid protocols are still in effect. This includes masking being recommended but not required during worship. You may read the guidelines in detail here.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Kacee at kacee@chpres.org by noon on Wednesday.

Prayer Requests 

Our prayers go to Jan McIver and her family following the passing of her mother, Janey Lewis.

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