Pastor's
Message
by the Rev. Dr. Marcia Cox
I am writing this following the congregational meeting
at which we voted to accept the responsibility to make our facility
accessible and more pleasant to occupy. I am also writing this knowing
that by the time you receive this, Lent will be over and we will
be singing Christ is Risen!
Somehow, sitting at a computer and typing that phrase, "Christ
is Risen", isn't too inspirational. Somehow "Christ is
Risen" doesn't make sense apart from the crucifer in flip flops
coming down the aisle, the torch-bearers trying to keep the torches
vertical, and the book-bearer trying to hold the book as still as
possible so I don't get motion sickness trying to read a (literally
AND figuratively) moving text!
Somehow, "Christ is Risen" doesn't make sense apart from
the school filled with youngsters, tearing up our front yard, racing
the hallways between classes, as they figure out what it means to
learn not only content but context. Certainly, "Christ is Risen" only
makes sense when we are blessed with the presence of Roland Anderson,
Bill Reid, as well as Katie Skinner...and everybody in between 96
yrs and a few months.
"
Christ is Risen!" truly makes sense when we recognize the body
and blood in the bread and the wine and it will continue to make
sense as we are able to be the hands and feet and presence of Christ
to those who need us. Christ is risen to those in the pews at Augustana,
to the cup of blessing, and soon, after the vote,..to those in wheelchairs,
on crutches, with strollers, and all those deliveries (cases of paper,
wine, books, etc..) which help the ministry continue at New Hampshire
and V St.
Christ is Risen makes sense when we all take as much financial responsibility
for the piece of this puzzle as we are able because, as Judi Bucci
declared, "This is home." What would it take for God's
house here to be as presentable as your own home?
The tomb is empty. Where is the Body? You know, don't you?
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