As the daffodils and hyacinths poke their way through the cold ground on the blustery shores of Lake Erie, we are reminded once again that spring is a season of renewal and new life.

It is no accident that both the Jewish observance of Passover and the Christian celebration of Easter come in the spring of the year. Passover is the celebration of the freedom from slavery that the Israelites experienced after 400 years of bondage in a foreign land. 

It is a feast of gratitude to God, as well as an opportunity to look to the future filled with new hope as a free people. As the Passover meal is shared, each participant asks him/herself what this freedom means for their own future and for future of the entire human community.

Easter celebrates the reality that love can conquer hate, hope can win over fear and life can indeed triumph over death. Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection opens new possibilities for all people. 
“For now, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come.”
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
This spring is also a season of new hope and possibility at Lakeside Chautauqua. As winter’s protective coverings are removed from cottage porches, as sailboats are placed back on the shoreline racks, as the parks are cleared of leaves and flowers planted, and as the staff busily prepares for the upcoming Chautauqua experience and summer guests, there is a spirit of renewed hope and new life in the air.  

Lakesiders from near and far eagerly await the arrival of the 149th Chautauqua season. We are confident that the God of all hope, the God of new possibilities, the God of life and love, has plans for each of us and for our community that are beyond our wildest dreams. See you at Lakeside!    

Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost, Senior Director of Religious Life & Pastoral Care
Lakeside Chautauqua