HELLO!

Happy Easter! May resurrection surprises, hope-filled visions and the presence of the Living Christ, be yours this day. I look forward to seeing you on Easter Sunday morning; at 730 am in the Woodlawn Cemetery (8 am breakfast in the Hall) and at 10 am in our sanctuary. If it is misty tomorrow, we will worship in the cemetery as scheduled. If it is raining steady, we will go inside and worship in the Sams Room. Stay tuned…

In response to my Holy Saturday blog, I received this most inspiring email from Gayle Crooks, one of many who have recently joined our community of faith on Sunday mornings. I have her permission to share these words:

“Kevin, you have once again addressed a topic that resonates with me deeply. Reflecting on our own lives can be challenging due to the gap between our perceived needs and wants and the actual significance of what matters. Nelson Mandela once wrote no one is born hating another person because of the colour of their skin, their background, or their religion. If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. We live in a diverse and interconnected world. It is important to learn about the people living close to us, such as our neighbours and co-workers. Religious fanaticism occurs when one believes there is only one path to heaven and views a specific religion as the sole means of achieving it. Diversity is a fundamental characteristic of our planet, and education that acknowledges this diversity can help children and grown-ups alike become responsible global citizens. While individuals may identify with specific gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, region, or country, they encompass far more than these characteristics alone. These elements collectively bind us in a shared humanity. We should strive to foster human values within our society and address our own biases and prejudices. It is imperative that we embrace, rather than merely tolerate, diversity. By dismantling our imaginary barriers, we can pave the way for an era filled with hope and potential. The Crucifixion and resurrection signify that it's time to roll back the stone. To create a world that respects diversity, fosters human values, shows compassion, love, acceptance, kindness, and generosity. If only it could be so.” Gayle

Amen. Amen. Amen. See you soon. Peace, Kevin