The Walk to Emmaus

Dear church,

The Walk to Emmaus is one of my favorite Bible stories because it feels so deeply human. Two grieving disciples walk the road weighed down by disappointment, and Jesus comes alongside them before they even know it is him, opening the scriptures, sharing the meal, and turning their sorrow toward hope. It is a beautiful reminder that the risen Christ still meets us on ordinary roads and makes himself known in word, companionship, and the breaking of the bread.

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

Creation Covenant Redemption

Dear church,

During the Easter season, many congregations are accustomed to hearing readings from Acts in place of the Old Testament. But more recent liturgical reflection has encouraged the church not to lose the rich witness of the Hebrew Scriptures during these weeks. Because the theology of resurrection is deeply rooted in God’s work of creation, covenant, and redemption, hearing these readings in Easter helps deepen the church’s proclamation of new life. These Old Testament readings are chosen to stand alongside the Gospel, not as predictions to be “fulfilled,” but as scriptures that can shed light on the risen Christ and the living hope of Easter. Listen in!

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

The Heart of God

Dear church,

Holy Week is one of the greatest gifts of the church year. Each service carries its own beauty, and each one reveals something different about the heart of God.

On Palm & Passion Sunday, we participate in both praise and rejection. On Maundy Thursday, we meet the Christ who kneels, serves, feeds, and commands us to love. On Good Friday, we stand at the cross and behold the depth of divine mercy, while lifting up the plight of all the oppressed and suffering. At the Easter Vigil, we keep watch for the first light of resurrection and hear again the great story of God’s saving love [my favorite service of the whole year!] And at Easter, we rejoice that death does not have the final word.

I want to lovingly encourage you to participate as fully as you are able this week, with your whole heart and mind and being. Come to the sacred journey that leads us to Easter. There is grace in each service, and together they draw us more deeply into the mystery at the center of our faith.

Make room for these holy days. Come and pray. Come and sing. Come and listen. Come and be renewed.

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

Meet the Artist

Dear church,

As Lent comes to a close, I want to especially encourage you to take note of a unique and meaningful opportunity in our congregation. Artist Immanuel Karunakaran, whose works are featured in Spangler and will also be part of our Good Friday service, will be sharing with us on Wednesday, March 25th after our final midweek Lenten service. His story is compelling, and his art speaks deeply to the themes of Holy Week.

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle