Easter
April 15, 2023 by Carol Elaine Loperena
The Aftermath of Easter
Jesus' outstretched arms on the cross remind us how big His love is for all.
How have things been going for you now that Easter is over?
Or should I instead say, "How are things going, since you know Easter is just the beginning?
It's easy to establish a sense of finality, once we celebrate the events of the resurrection. And that finality can sometimes lead us to feel like Easter will follow us through the rest of the year until we arrive at Advent, to start the new Christian year.
Instead, why not take a few minutes to mobilize yourself for reflection, and then action? Receiving the good news that Jesus is alive, and alive in us, can propel us into a bolder approach to the days that come.
We can evaluate every single thing that happens in our lives and world around us in a new context.
Take a moment to consider this.
Move Forward to a Holy Response!
The Holidays
November 2023 by Carol Elaine Loperena
Winter Corridors
The paradox of November
Reconciling remembrance of loss with preparation for the coming holidays.
On November 1st we have a time to remember all those people of faith who have gone before us. Often a full worship service is dedicated to a celebration of both those who have died during the year and those who have been born. Slides may be shown of those members in the church who we have known so well or perhaps have not known at all.
For me, November brings wonderful memories of the birth of my great grand-nephew, my wedding over 45 years ago, some elections that brought the result I was hoping for, and some special Thanksgiving tables shared with family. But it also brings disappointment about some elections that I wasn't so happy about, memories of a time when we couldn't afford to have a turkey for Thanksgiving, and sadness about the death of my sister, Patt, on our anniversary.
In truth, if you’ve lived awhile you’ve experienced memories at opposite ends of the spectrum in all months and on all days of those months. In the church, we have the opportunity to make it possible for the people who walk in the door to know that they can experience both the highs and lows of their lives together in a supporting environment.
The following devotional considers not necessarily what we go through, but rather how we decide to go through all facets of life as a church community.
Are you feeling like your members, friends and visitors are trying to go it alone?
Focus this month on participant engagement!