Light in the Window - April 19, 2022

“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Photo: A basket of pysanky made by volunteers for Pysanky for Peace — from intricately decorated chicken eggs to goose eggs.
Dear Covenant Family,

If you attended worship on Sunday, I hope your ears are still ringing with alleluias. It was an extravagant Easter at the Covenant on all counts- musically, visually, spiritually, and relationally. A delicious breakfast was enjoyed by everyone who was able to arrive early, and the sun was shining in the chill air as we exited the church to live as Easter people. The children found special symbolic eggs in the Columbarium, then went outside for the traditional Easter egg hunt. Students and families stopped by to worship with us, and folks who haven’t seen each other in some time exchanged greetings over post-service coffee.

During the sermon I mentioned an interview on NPR with a woman from Pysanky for Peace about the Ukrainian tradition of beautifully decorated eggs, and the association of these eggs with the resurrection of Jesus. You can find the article here. Please join me in praying for the people of Ukraine and all who are affected by the war. For Orthodox Christians (including Ukrainian Orthodox), this is Holy Week, and Easter is celebrated on April 24. Though peace seems so far off, let’s continue to pray for an end to the violence and suffering.

Meanwhile, here at home, we strive to live as Easter people, actively practicing forgiveness and reconciliation. Just as we have received forgiveness in Christ, we also forgive one another. Who do you need to forgive? What resentment and hurt have you held too close and too long? What would it take to allow God’s Holy Spirit to do something new in your life, with soul work as intricate and beautiful as a Pysanky egg waiting to be blessed?

With Easter Joy,
Pastor Jessie
Prayer

O God, You who are always doing a new thing,
we confess that we sometimes close windows
against the fresh air of new ideas,
against the noise of other people’s worries,
against the winds of change.
 
God of every place and time,
we confess that we often draw the curtains
against people who are different,
against world news or community concerns.
 
Forgive us our insulation in our locked homes,
our shuttered churches,
the security systems on our hearts.
Open up our lives,
and let your Spirit blow through. Amen.
 
— posted by Teri on the A Place for Prayer blog
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