Easter Message             

As we prepare for Easter and the several services that will be taking place, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Having several new things happening shortly there after on or about the first Sunday in May, with the new Priest’s, the combination of a four parish gathering, whereby we will be sharing these Priests between us. Getting to meet them in the near future and setting sail in a newer direction than we have travelled before, but still on the path that Christ has set before us.

              That is a lot to think about when put altogether in one paragraph. Let us take these steps much the same as our lord Jesus Christ took his steps. Primarily before, he started to share his love of God, to teach to all races on the Earth. He was well aware that what had been used since the time when Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden of Eden, “wasn’t working for Man kind”. He had much to do in his short lifespan, so that he could be the change that would be the only way to eternal life. 

            Let us in the imitation of the life of Christ begin to take it one-step at a time. First, let us enjoy Maundy Thursday, by having our feet cleansed with the hope of being able to take our journey with feet that are ready to follow our Lord Jesus Christ. This will take us to our next step, Good Friday. Remembering the last supper, the commitment that Christ had his disciples make to him, when the blessing of thanks was given to God, he broke the bread. Imagine the conversations that took place at that supper meal. It must have frightened many who were present, as Jesus explained to all of them what would be taking place that evening. He then blessed and gave thanks over the wine, as he would, and then continued with how it would all end. He seemed not afraid, he knew that this was his path; he would have to take it if he was to change the out come for the entire human race, life ever after would be an avenue that could be taken. With only one condition, you are to believe in and asked for salvation through him, as he would be the only way to everlasting life.

            Easter Sunday, is to celebrate not only the death but also resurrection of Gods Son from the dead; then the wonderment of things to come as Mary and several others seeing their Master no longer dead, believing and knowing of the wonders that will be. This renewing and revitalizing them for those things that had been promised, “I go to prepare a place for you in heaven, he would not say this if it was not so. Looking at the stage that we are now at with this new project with two new priests kind of puts us in this place, where seeing, hearing, and benefiting from those things that are yet to come. It will be different, but in the same state of mind, it will be much of the same. All of this in hopes of revitalizing our parishes.

Easter Monday is the knowing that Christ’s ascension into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father forever. This is the point of knowing that all is well for us as believers in Christ because all those promises made will come our way. I remember reading once, not sure where or even why, but it said, you must believe that you are exactly where you are supposed to be right at this moment, if Christ brings you to it, he will bring you out of it, he will be with you every step of the way. We must believe this at this time. Our mission is to live our lives as Christ like as possible, to help, aid, and assist our fellow humans, to know Christ and the promises he is keeping for all of us.

 Enclosed you will find the profiles on the two priests who are coming into this project with us, to help us, to find the growth areas that Christ wants us to follow. To find our strengths, and improve on our weak points so we can do Christ’s work towards our fellow humans, near and abroad. They have vast experience between the two of them and a strong commitment towards what is required to make this new ministry work for all concerned.

Remember we are Children of Christ first, Anglicans second and parish members last. Let us work towards growth in Christ and the Anglican Church of which our Parish’s will grow once the first two are truly accomplished.        

Wardens of St James Parish

Darrell Thurber                                                                                               Jim Stevens

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