Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!

This year, Easter looks different. In the place of usual celebrations and holiday traditions, there is disruption worldwide. There is also pain, suffering, and lots of fear. The Covid-19 virus has turned things upside down.

It has been meaningful for me to collaborate with of a group of E.L.C.A. pastors from the Twin Cities. We came together to produce a daily devotional for the fifty days of Easter. Inspired by Jesus's Easter words to Mary at the tomb - FEAR NOT- the pastors share uplifting messages, images, songs, and practical suggestions on how you can share God's love with others during this time. Sign up, and starting on Easter Sunday, April 12, you will receive your first devotion. For the seven weeks of Easter, a daily dose of FEAR NOT will appear in your email inbox. It will be there in time for your morning coffee.

CLICK HERE (to sign up)

It has also been a joy to work with Pastor Nancy, Kelvin Miller, Jan Pofahl, and Jeff Andrews (and his youth AV team - Mark/Noah/Kate Marie) on preparing this year’s Easter worship. It will livestream on Easter Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., and then be available at 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. At 6:30 a.m., I will offer a ZOOM sunrise worship from the deck in my backyard. Patty will do Sunday School online for the children and their families at 11:00 a.m. Also at 11:00 a.m. there will be a PHONE worship opportunity where I will read the gospel, preach, and share in a time of prayers.

For all links and access information (click here). The password for all our materials is 55337.

No doubt, it will be a different kind of Easter at St. James this year. Still, I am confident that the hope that is ours in Easter - that God resurrects life - will be proclaimed. Perhaps, we will hear it in a new way as we log in, phone in, or read our emails. Perhaps, into the tombs of our isolation, we will catch the glimpse of new life dawning.

May the God who brought Jesus from the dead, resurrect our hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies this Easter time.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt