He is Risen Indeed! - Rector's Rambling for April 21 (Easter Day), 2019

Alleluia!

Christ is Risen!

The Lord is Risen indeed!

Alleluia!

This is our Easter Proclamation as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death.  What a wonderful statement of faith, which is absolutely essential and central to who we are as members of the Body of Christ, the Church.  His Resurrection is an absolute basic requirement for belief, along with our statement that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Welcome to St. John’s Church.  We give thanks for the many people who make St. John’s their High Holy Day destination, and for those worshipping with us for the first time.

If it has been a few months since you have been here (Christmas) or perhaps since last Easter, you surely have noticed the wonderful changes to our facilities already completed, and also now underway!  The new Ministry Center is basically completed (except for a few details) at the east side of our facilities, and the undercroft (basement) is now also undergoing a restoration, due to be completed late summer or early fall (experience has now taught us that we should stop trying to nail down dates for these things).  The undercroft will include new flexible assembly space, classrooms, nursery, bathrooms, and a new kitchen!

All this updated space will be utilized for church programming, classes, social events, and community use as well.  But most importantly, we as a people, redeemed by the Blood of Jesus, worship Him here in the beauty of holiness, and through worship and the various uses here seek to be remade into His image.  I hope everyone here today will take advantage of the many opportunities for greater holiness!