Love Shows Up and makes an impact! The gospel for this Sunday, April 28 is about Thomas, you remember, the one who ‘doubted’. He wanted to see the nail holes in Jesus’ hands before he believed. I often feel like him- wanting to make sure of the facts before putting my whole heart into something. Pastor Wally Gustav is going to preach at Holy Cross this week (Sunday at 9:30 am) about that story – I have the sunday off, but before I go, I want to talk about Easter – the first Sunday of Easter, April 21st at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Salem. We had a lot of people show up – with big smiles, and lots of kids! The kids sermon was at the chancel (the floor by the foot of the altar) so we could accomodate them all and Natalie Nyquest saved me by helping pass out things to the kids! The kids were very interested in the stickers I brought!
The kids listen to me talk about looking each other in the eye, too, about how we can show we really trust each other by doing this more. What would change in your world today if you showed the people you meet that you care enough to look them in the eye?
It’s not an easy time to be the community of God on the planet. Folks argue about all kinds of things, and sometimes the facts don’t seem to matter – people have already made up their minds. That’s exhausting. But, friends, I think if we show up, and keep making eye contact, and shaking hands with people we meet, things will get better. We can change the world together – because if we aren’t fighting about silly things we can focus on caring for those in need – the poor, the sick, and the lonely.
Be well, friends, and enjoy these great pictures of Easter – taken by Gary Strand – many of them by our flowered Cross for Easter! – Pastor P.
