| Dear Beloved Resurrection MCC Family, We were so blessed this past Sunday, March 24, 2024, to hear the powerful message from Elder Ken Martin. Elder Martin is another good friend to RMCC. We appreciate your message reminding us to “Be Silent” this season and to remember “who and whose you are.” We welcome you to a special, remarkable Easter season and look forward to seeing you on Sunday. As we gather together in the spirit of fellowship and worship, I am filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to share in this sacred moment with each of you. As we approach the season of Easter, our hearts are drawn to reflect on the profound significance of this time in the Christian calendar and to share the love of Christ on the occasion of Easter’s coming into existence. The significance of Easter is not merely a commemoration of historical events; it is a celebration of the very essence of our faith. At its core lies the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, the ultimate demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all humanity. Easter holds profound significance for Christians worldwide, serving as a beacon of hope, renewal, and redemption. Within the context of our inclusive community at Resurrection MCC, the concept of Easter resonates deeply with our core values and guiding principles. Why We Celebrate Easter In Matthew 28:6, the angel declares, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” This affirms Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfilment of God’s promise of salvation. Easter reminds us of the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, and hope over despair. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul writes, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” This passage reminds us that the resurrection is not a mere story but a foundational, practical truth upon which our faith rests. Easter Denotes Love God’s unconditional gift of Easter embodies the epitome of God’s unconditional love for humanity. In John 3:16, we are reminded, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The sacrificial love demonstrated through Jesus’s death and resurrection is a powerful reminder of God’s love for each of us. As we celebrate Easter, we are invited to bask in the warmth of this divine love and extend it to others without reservation or judgment. Easter Preaches Inclusion Welcoming all to God’s table just as Jesus welcomed all to his table during his earthly ministry, Easter beckons us to embrace inclusivity and hospitality. Romans 10:12 proclaims, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” In our celebration of Easter, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a community where everyone is welcomed, accepted, and valued as beloved children of God. No one is excluded from the boundless grace and mercy extended through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Easter Creates Transformation Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Through Christ’s resurrection, we are offered the gift of new life—a life freed from the shackles of sin and death. As we commemorate Easter, we are invited to embrace this transformative power, allowing it to renew our hearts, minds, and spirits. Easter serves as a reminder that no darkness is too deep, no burden too heavy, for the light and life of Christ to overcome. All you need to do is open your heart and be receptive to the power of transformation embedded in the realm of Easter. Our Vision As we celebrate Easter, let us recommit ourselves to living out our vision and mission as a faith community. Our vision is to demonstrate God’s unconditional love to all people through Christ-like action. This Easter, let us embody this vision by extending love, grace, and compassion to everyone we encounter, just as Christ did during his earthly ministry. As an inclusive and diverse congregation, we are called to embody God’s love in all we do. Let us celebrate the richness of our diversity and create a space where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and affirmed in their identity. Our vision challenges us to boldly experience, engage, and embody our faith, transforming ourselves and the world with Christ’s inclusive love. Let us embrace this vision wholeheartedly, allowing it to shape our actions and guide our journey forward. Let us rejoice in the love of God revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. May this Easter be a time of renewal, transformation, and recommitment to living out our faith with courage and compassion. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Amen. With love and blessings, |
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| Raymond Turner Vice Moderator Resurrection MCC BOD Raymond@ResurrectionMCC.org |