Dear Peace Members and Friends,
I love not only the day of Easter but the season of Easter. Why? If the Christian faith was only made up of Good Friday, that would be a tragedy and a horror. If the Christian faith was only made up of Easter Sunday, it would be like those dried-up Easter lilies that are long gone. It is only after Easter that we come to know who the Risen Christ is; and in the New Testament we see that it is in the season after Easter that we begin to understand what God gives us and what living in Christ means today.
This Sunday—the Fourth Sunday of Easter—we have one of the most abiding images of God in the Bible: a shepherd. In John’s Gospel, Jesus comes to us, shows himself, to be the Good Shepherd. I will have a message based on the most famous Psalm of all, Psalm 23, that, along with the Gospel, can guide and inspire us through every day.
On Sunday, we also have the baptism of Alice DesMarais, the daughter of Lee and Becca DesMarais, and sister to Louise. Alice’s baptism, along with the Bible readings, Easter hymns, the Peace Choir, and Holy Communion are promise of a lively and meaningful Sunday ahead. I look forward to seeing you all!
In Adult Education (10:45am), we’ll discuss The Resurrection of Jesus. With the help of British New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright, we’ll discuss this amazing claim and event and why it matters.
I also want to remind you of the remaining Sunday morning Adult Education topics:
- Sunday, May 7: Rick Kaufman, Executive Director of Community Relations and Emergency Management for Bloomington Public Schools will join us to discuss these challenges. Mr. Kaufman comes with a with range of experience; providing counsel to those responding to events in Uvalde, at Sandy Hook and Columbine, among many others.
- Sunday, May 14: Join us as we welcome Peace member and police officer for the city of Apple Valley, Adam Tschida, as he discusses safety in our neighborhoods and communities.
- Sunday, May 21: On this day, Sandy Mortensen, current therapist and former Bloomington Public Schools counselor will continue the Teen Mental Illness discussion that we began on April 23.
Last of all, this is the final Sunday to contribute to be a part of bringing a needed piano into the Sanctuary. Approximately, $12,000 has been given so far and more is needed. Thank you so much for your continued support of the great tradition of music at Peace!
See you Sunday!
Mark