I watched Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church’s live-streamed worship service this past Easter Sunday (April 12).  I missed the Call to Worship where various church members proclaimed Christ’s resurrection in their own way because I was too busy pushing buttons to try and get the worship stream.  By the time I figured it out, Jeff was playing the opening hymn “Christ has Risen,” from the organ at the church.  I hunted for my hymnal to sing along but by the time I found it, he was on the last verse.

My husband Michael, had already attended his Quaker meeting by Zoom earlier and was busy painting our small bathroom so it’s probably just as well I didn’t suddenly burst into song, causing him to drop his paint bucket and splatter paint all over the room.  Instead, I politely hummed along.  I appreciated Jeff going to the church and using the organ for, in my mind, Easter needs to have music played on the organ or it isn’t really Easter for me.

I appreciated all the thought and energy that went into planning that service. Although I was alone sitting in my stuffed rocking chair looking out the back picture window, I felt the spirit of God flow through me making the Spirit of Easter come into my soul.

This may be a shocking statement for a Presbyterian minister to make, but I don’t think it matters if Jesus was raised or not.  I trust God in all of God’s plans and to me; it’s how I live my life that matters. I believe we need to live our lives to help bring God’s transforming and creative love to our world. 

I’m aware that my social and political standing allows me to have this belief and perhaps if I was a person of color, poor, or didn’t live in a comfortable home, I might have a different view. Unfortunate things have happened to me but I’ve had the support and resources to meet every one of them.  This reality means I need to listen to voices that have not had these advantages.

Marcia’s sermon has prodded me to think a bit about resurrection and what it means.  I would love to hear your comments about resurrection, even if you have thoughts different from mine.  Feel free to comment here.  The last time I asked for comments, I did not follow up so this time I will keep track if anyone does comment.