Tidings from Bethlehem-April 2026

Dear friends in Christ,

We get to celebrate the season of Easter all throughout the month of April! Easter extends into May until the celebration of Pentecost. This means weeks of celebration and joy in the resurrected Jesus. You’ll continue to see the color white used in the church paraments to symbolize resurrection and joy. We’ll hear together how Jesus appears to his disciples and discuss the difference resurrection brings to our lives.

This celebration kicks off during Easter Vigil on April 4th at 6:00 pm and our Easter services on April 5th at 8:00 and 10:30 am. We’ll loudly proclaim, “Christ is risen!” and sing Alleluia once again. It is always such a special celebration and time in our faith community. Picture this- The smells of flowers and Easter breakfast mingling to create a beautiful aroma. Bright banners mixed with our paraments. Bold color from our flowers. Smiles and extra energy from a chocolate treat enjoyed early in the morning.

But how will our energy be, on April 25-26, the fourth week of Easter? “Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!” will still be part of our worship services but at some point during the third or fourth week of Easter, our voices start to soften. We miss the smells and the colors of the flowers. Enthusiasm may wane. But this Easter, I invite you to avoid this fatigue. Make an effort to still loudly proclaim resurrection joy. Greet your friends and new folks at church with a smile. Participate in worship with gusto. It’s not easy and human nature has us looking to the next big thing. Truly, though, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the biggest thing of all.  Let’s celebrate, not just for one day, but each time we gather together. We can do it and we can be fortified in our effort through prayer. Take this one with you through the Easter season:

God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one now and forever. Amen. (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Peace,

Pastor Ellen