Dear Friends,

Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Alleluia! May this newsletter find you dwelling in hope because of the Good News of the resurrection in this Easter season. Even in the midst of this pandemic, may you still find hope in the resurrection. Even if, that is the only place you are finding hope right now. Hold on to it. The resurrection continues to teach us that new life is possible. Hang in there.

Many of us are “getting through” the pandemic. We’re “getting through” working at home. We’re “getting through” social distancing. We’re “getting through” whatever existing problems we were experiencing on top of the pandemic. Give yourself credit for getting through whatever you’re getting through.

But, also feel free to grieve what you are going through. Feel free to admit that what you are going through is not ideal. Feel free to acknowledge that you would rather not be going through this. Don’t be ashamed to occasionally feel aimless, unmotivated, restless, sad, unproductive, or mopey during all of this. You are only human.

But, please try to retain your hope. Hold onto the hope of resurrection. Hold onto the hope of new life. Hold onto the hope that better days are coming. Hold onto the hope that God is always doing a new thing. Remember that you have overcome every obstacle you have already faced in this life, and then take hope in the fact that God has given you the strength to do so, and that God will continue to strengthen you for the struggles of this day.

My hope is renewed when I gather with you all for worship over Zoom on Sunday morning, and I hope that you find renewal there as well. Renewed hope in gathering as community. Renewed hope in the proclamation of the Gospel. And, renewed hope in the breaking of the bread. And, for those of you unable to join us for the live service over Zoom, I pray that you are finding it when you watch the services on Youtube.

Dear friends, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you are feeling hopeless and you need a listening ear. We’re all going to get through this together, because God is walking alongside us.

Love, Pastor Robert