Easter’s Promise

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, with a hymn written for the tune to which we normally sing, “The Church’s One Foundation,” has given us a way to express both the heaviness and the hopefulness of this Easter moment.

 

This Easter celebration is not like ones we’ve known.

We pray in isolation, we sing the hymns alone.

 

 . . .

 

With sanctuaries empty, may homes become the place

we ponder resurrection and celebrate your grace.

 

Our joy won’t come from worship that’s in a crowded room,

but from the news of women who saw the empty tomb.

Our joy comes from disciples who ran with haste to see—

who heard that Christ is risen, and then, by grace, believed.

 

In all the grief and suffering, may we remember well:

Christ suffered crucifixion and faced the powers of hell.

Each Easter bears the promise: Christ rose that glorious day!

Now nothing in creation can keep your love away.

 

We thank you that on Easter, your church is blessed to be

a scattered, faithful body that’s doing ministry.

In homes and in the places of help and healing, too,

we live the Easter message by gladly serving you.

 

Grace and peace.

Rev. Paul L. Escamilla, Senior Pastor

 

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