To my friends in the faith,

     It's just about time for Easter.
     You know, Easter - with bunnies and colored eggs and candy and pastel colors.
     But to the Christian, Easter is so much more.  Easter is the fullness of joy made real.  It's the greatest of God's promises fulfilled.  It's the celebration of the most wonderful event in human history.
     It's the day that Jesus defeated sin and death - for us!  That's right, people like you and me!
     But to get to the joy that is Easter, we must first walk through the sorrow and sadness that is Holy Week.  Beginning with Palm Sunday and traveling through Holy Thursday and Good Friday, we sense the despair Jesus felt.  Our hearts are burdened as we take upon ourselves just a fraction of the weight of the cross.  It's something we need to do.  It's something we have to do.
     But then Easter Sunday morning comes.  And with the first rays of sunlight, we again recognize - and celebrate! - the gift of eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Forgiveness of sin through his death.  Eternal life through his resurrection.  And all for us, if only we believe!  As the old hymn states, "Love so amazing, so divine!"
     Our congregation is, in some ways, walking through some difficult times.  But we have the hope of Easter in front of us.  We have the faith and assurance that God will bring us through, and will provide us with a cause for celebration at the end of our journey.
     Join me in walking down the rough road.  Join me as we share the burden - together.  Let us share the burdens of meeting each others' needs, of supporting our growing ministries in tough times, and of showing solidarity in a divisive world.
    And join me as we rejoice - together - when we arrive at Easter.  We will soon be there...Let's be ready.
     Wishing you the fullness of joy in your walk with Christ,

Pastor Jon West