He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed.
Our “Stay at Home” Easter was one we will never forget. Mark and I got dressed for church and just loved watching over and over your Easter pictures knowing that we were worshipping together but scattered all over the place.
The tomb was empty that first Easter and our churches were empty this Easter. But that didn’t stop Easter… I have loved hearing the ways you celebrated Easter:
You watched the service with your small group via Zoom.
You decorated your driveways with sidewalk chalk.
You put up your own flower cross in your yard.
You set up an art-show for your neighbors to enjoy or set up Easter food on your porch for your neighbors – of course, with social distancing.
You made masks for your neighbors.
You delivered food and toilet paper to your neighbors.
It is such a joy to be your pastor and to see you living your faith. You are showing the world that Jesus is Alive. You are SHINING.
On Sunday, we will gather online again as Easter people. We will be looking at perhaps the most infamous of all the eyewitnesses – Doubting Thomas. Do you like to ask questions? Do you have to see things to believe them? Bring your doubts to church this week.
Also, in our services, I’ll be talking to our Bethlehem mayor, Robert Donchez. He will give us an update on how our city is doing and will share his prayer requests with us.
Don’t miss worship and connecting with us. And invite a friend. Also, I want to encourage you to like, comment on, and “share” our services on Facebook. There is such an openness to faith and a need for hope right now. Let’s spread our Easter Hope.
One last word, I am so grateful for our staff team and all the efforts they have made and will continue to make as we adapt to our online presence. I am grateful for our musicians who have recorded the hymns and worship music. I am grateful for our technology team who makes sure we can see and engage our services and programs. I am so glad to lead and serve with Team GRACE.
We are not hitting the pause button. And we don’t want you to do that either. We will continue to offer more ways for you to take steps in your faith. And we will continue to offer more ways for those who have never set foot in church, or haven’t for years, to take steps to Jesus.
“See” you on Sunday. I will be praying God moves in your life in a powerful way.
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor