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Easter Reflections
I have been reflecting on our journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, and this year was particularly meaningful to me. While my first Easter with you was amazing and deeply worshipful, this year felt especially beautiful. Our team has grown into working together with confidence and trust, and bringing all of our gifts into the planning and worship experience truly felt like a gift in itself.
During Lent, the Discussion Class studied the book used in the sermon series. It was heartening to know that others were reading, reflecting, and contemplating the deeper themes of the season. Together, they dug deeply into Scripture, engaging familiar stories in fresh and life-giving ways. I am grateful for the team of leaders who invested their time, insight, and energy into making that experience possible.
Russ Scott joined us in planning and leading a meaningful Maundy Thursday experience. Russ collaborated with Brenda Rice to create moments of deep impact, guided by a map thoughtfully prepared by Brittany. Shelby and Jonathan curated a playlist that beautifully supported the evening. Watching people engage the stations in ways that were meaningful to them is something I will not soon forget. I was especially moved by the quiet in the sanctuary on Maundy Thursday. As people moved among the prayer stations, each at their own pace, on their own path, I found myself able to linger and meditate more fully. I was reminded that spaciousness itself can be a holy way.
On Holy Saturday, Christina Ray and Colleen Ostercamp offered a chant during the Easter Vigil—an experience new to many of us. Taking part in a practice that felt ancient, that connected us to the global church, took on special meaning in these days of global unrest. I look forward to continuing to explore how practices like this can shape our worship in the future.
To all the musicians who enhanced Palm Sunday and Easter with such rich and worshipful music, I offer my heartfelt thanks. One of the many reasons I was excited to come as your pastor was the depth of musical talent in this congregation—and we experienced that gift fully on both days.
Perhaps the Sunday of Lessons and Carols was one of the sweetest moments of the season. We heard from many voices and experienced genuine intergenerational worship. As someone shared with me afterward, “I love that this church doesn’t rush through the holy days, but takes time to linger and experience them fully, in multiple ways.”
My heart is full of gratitude for the richness of these experiences and for the beauty of this community of faith.
With thanks,
Pastor Kristin
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