I would first like to say thank you to all the individuals who contributed to meaningful Lent, Holy Week, and Easter activities and services. Pastor Tim’s diverse and reflective services along with Mark Donahue’s capable media production were appreciated by parishioners who attended Holy Trinity in person and online. The musicians (both instruments and vocals) complemented the peaceful and beautifully decorated sanctuary and the glass-still water set the tone for a memorable sunrise Easter service.
Last Sunday, I discovered a bouquet of daffodils tucked inside my gardening shoes that live on my doorstep as soon as the snow melts. It was a lovely gift that reminded me of the beautiful Easter we had the previous weekend. The inklings of new beginnings and life grew out of Lent’s time of questions and reflection. During Pastor’s sermon on March 21st, he mentioned one of his favorite movies, Amazing Grace. The protagonist of this movie is the historical figure, William Wilberforce, who was the driving force in the English parliament to pass the Abolition Bill in 1789. Pastor made connections between Wilberforce’s quote, “You can choose to look the other way, but can never say again you did not know” and the charge Jesus asks of us to do messy, challenging, and uncomfortable work. Pastor also mentioned that Jesus’s rebirth breaks through the sadness of life to encourage hope, goodness, and compassion. I can remember past opportunities when I looked “the other way” from my neighbors because that was the easier, more convenient, or less scary. We are reminded that taking opportunities that could increase someone’s feeling of hope, goodness, or compassion is what Jesus asks us to do. Making shifts in my life to try and “live” the church out in the world can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming. Those daffodils emerged through the last inches of snow, matted leaves, and cold soil. Their determination to bloom year after year may encourage you to open up to new ways of “looking” toward our neighbors. Opportunities exist at Holy Trinity for serving others by using your phone or computer, supporting neighbors with food insecurity, and meeting with new neighbors who face immigration challenges. Please contact Mark in the Church office myself or should you be curious about learning about these ministries.