Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16
Easter Greetings!
Just imagine being those two men! As they walk along on the very first Easter Day, the risen Jesus comes along and walks with them on the road to Emmaus. The two are filled with sorrow and frustration as they discuss the events of the past few days. Jesus meets them where they are – on the road, amid their journey, right in the middle of all the pain, frustration, and fear that threatens to overwhelm them. Jesus listens to them as he walks all the way home with them. But they don’t recognize him until they are together around the table where bread is broken.
We are living in times that seem fraught with uncertainty and a diminished value in human rights. Just like those men on the journey to Emmaus, I have often found that I don’t recognize the Risen One until long after an event has passed. Perhaps it was the helping hand that came, the door that opened, the way that appeared when it seemed no way was possible but until I gain some distance, I’m not able to see what so clearly was the presence of God. Most recently, I am finding that as we come together in this place, in community, we find connection. Its together in this community, as we share in the broken bread, sing the hymns, do the outreach, struggle for justice and care for one another that we come to experience the presence of the Risen One among us. This presence gives us the courage to stand up for justice and be the light and love so needed in our world.
Please take a look at our Holy Week and Easter schedule which is found on the back-side of this letter. We begin the week at the Peace Pole on Palm Sunday with a blessing of the palms and palm procession into worship. On Maundy Thursday, we join our brothers and sisters at First Congo for a service of Tenebrae. On Good Friday, we experience the passion with a walk on our Labyrinth in Fellowship Hall. Joy comes on Easter day with a sunrise service at Mt. Hood and our own celebration of the Resurrection on Easter day.
May you and your family have a blessed and joyful Easter!
Blessings,
Rev. Beth Horne
Easter Greetings!
Just imagine being those two men! As they walk along on the very first Easter Day, the risen Jesus comes along and walks with them on the road to Emmaus. The two are filled with sorrow and frustration as they discuss the events of the past few days. Jesus meets them where they are – on the road, amid their journey, right in the middle of all the pain, frustration, and fear that threatens to overwhelm them. Jesus listens to them as he walks all the way home with them. But they don’t recognize him until they are together around the table where bread is broken.
We are living in times that seem fraught with uncertainty and a diminished value in human rights. Just like those men on the journey to Emmaus, I have often found that I don’t recognize the Risen One until long after an event has passed. Perhaps it was the helping hand that came, the door that opened, the way that appeared when it seemed no way was possible but until I gain some distance, I’m not able to see what so clearly was the presence of God. Most recently, I am finding that as we come together in this place, in community, we find connection. Its together in this community, as we share in the broken bread, sing the hymns, do the outreach, struggle for justice and care for one another that we come to experience the presence of the Risen One among us. This presence gives us the courage to stand up for justice and be the light and love so needed in our world.
Please take a look at our Holy Week and Easter schedule which is found on the back-side of this letter. We begin the week at the Peace Pole on Palm Sunday with a blessing of the palms and palm procession into worship. On Maundy Thursday, we join our brothers and sisters at First Congo for a service of Tenebrae. On Good Friday, we experience the passion with a walk on our Labyrinth in Fellowship Hall. Joy comes on Easter day with a sunrise service at Mt. Hood and our own celebration of the Resurrection on Easter day.
May you and your family have a blessed and joyful Easter!
Blessings,
Rev. Beth Horne
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