Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Having come through the long season of Lent and having worshipped at the empty tomb on Easter morning, we are now entering a time of celebration and thanksgiving. We celebrate, because God has not left us abandoned in this world. Rather, through Jesus Christ, God has come to dwell with us. Through his death on the cross, Christ has defeated the very power of death in our lives. We have a reason to celebrate, because we are the beloved children of God, and nothing can take that promise away from us. Christ has come and is making all things new. Happy Easter, my friends! It’s time to celebrate and we will do just that in the days ahead!

As we enter the month of April, it is hard to believe that our year of youth education programming is quickly heading towards the finish line. Along with this comes our annual tradition of celebrating our confirmation students who have successfully completed their requirements and who have chosen to take the next step by affirming their faith. This is a big decision for them, and we are excited to have eleven students who we will officially recognize in worship on Sunday, April 28th.

For me, it has been a privilege and a joy to get to spend the last seven months with these students, to hear their questions, and to help them understand our great tradition of faith. I think that I have learned just as much from them as they have from me, and I am excited to see them complete this significant milestone in their lives. Their families should be proud! I’m also excited for the members of our church who have supported each of these students and who will now be able to welcome them as full “adult” members of our congregation. When you see a confirmation student walking around, I invite you to congratulate them and to share with them your excitement for the commitment they are about to make!

It’s always a busy time around here at St. Paul and we do indeed have a lot to celebrate and to be thankful for. From the season of Easter to confirmation, I hope that you can feel the excitement that I feel every day. Thank you for your constant support of the work that we do here and thank you for helping us make St. Paul a vibrant community of faith here in Le Center.

Blessings in the month ahead and I will see you in worship!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18