Rectors Report
April 8th,2012

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who has been crucified. He has been raised, he is not here."              Mark 16: 6

Alleluia, the tomb is empty. Jesus has been raised!!
~~HAPPY EASTER~~

Happy Easter morning! Let us give thanks for the victory that Christ has won for us and welcome the presence of the Risen Lord among us.
Alleluia !!

This Holy Week once again portrayed our walk with Jesus with shouts of praise, a last meal, and his death on a cross. In particular I want to thank Rev. Judie and the cast for their moving depiction of Christ's passion on Good Friday. Today the walk takes on new hope, new joy and new promise as we discover that death does not have the final word, but rather, life with and in the Risen Lord wins the triumph of this day and all the tomorrows.

In addition to the Holy Week services I was pleased to meet with the wardens, Rick Orlando and Jean Schwartz, on Wednesday morning. I was pleased also to have several pastoral encounters with parishioners both in my office and in their homes. As well, Rev. Judie presided at home communions in the homes of two parishioners. 

I would like to give thanks this morning for some of the other ministries that take place in our parish. I arrived at the Church on Saturday morning expecting to find a quiet place to make preparations for today's service. What I found was a dedicated group of volunteers engaged in cleaning the church fittingly preparing it for this greatest of celebrations. Thank you. For the altar guild who prepares the sanctuary for our worship services, for individuals who change the banners to reflect the seasons of church, for those who prepared palm crosses for our service last week, for choir members who lead us in praise during our worship...........and on and on the list could go. You are witnesses to the Risen Lord. Thanks be to God.

Also, as we give thanks for the witness that takes place in our congregation at this time we also remember those who have been witnesses and who have passed from glory to glory. This morning we dedicate two Book's of Alternative Services given by Jinny Giza & family in memory of Cyril Griffin and the Rev. Robert Nishimura.

I ask for your prayers this morning Rick and Brenda Morash, that they might find strength in the Easter message of the Risen Lord as they grieve the untimely death of their granddaughter, Makayla Sophia Gina. Pray also for the parents, Angela and Brock and big brother Mateo.

May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen              -BAS pg. 684

Happy Easter:

Rev. Mike