Happy Easter!
We are not able to worship the risen Christ this year gathered in our Sanctuary decorated for this special day. Remember, LOVE looks like an empty sanctuary during Covid-19. It won’t and cannot be the same. But for the sake of our neighbors, this is how it must be. For now.

But we are still worshiping together…from a distance!

We continue to be the People of God wherever we are. And the Holy Spirit calls us to worship again this Easter as we shelter in place at home. In the worship we’ve recorded for Easter morning, you’ll find some Easter eggs — surprises that we’re not usually able to offer when we are in the Sanctuary. Please join us online with a lighted candle, a piece of bread or cracker, and a small glass of wine or juice.

Word of the Week:
But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”
“They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.
Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”
She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”
Jesus said, “Mary.”
Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!”
John 20:11-16 (from “The Message” translation)

How does it feel to hear your name spoken out loud, especially when you feel a bit lost or lonely?

Mary despairs at the tomb of Jesus that first Easter morning. She is crying, confused, and has no idea what to do at this time.

And then she hears her name. “Mary.”

She comes out of the fog of her confusion and clearly knows that this gardener is Jesus. Alive. Not dead any more.

In the Gospel of John, Mary is the first witness of the resurrection, and she is the only witness to meet Jesus by herself.

You have been named and claimed by God in your baptism. And God calls your name every day to remind you of God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.

As we shelter in place this Easter morning, I pray that you hear that Jesus calls your name, that you recognize a voice that loves you, died and rose from death, out of his great love for you, and for all humankind.

In the name of God who has called your name,
Pastor Bonnie Wilcox

Easter Worship Services – Two on-line options:
April 10, Good Friday, 7 PM
April 12, Easter, 10 AM
1. On Facebook, find First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights. The services will begin at the time posted below.
2. On YouTube, we have a channel with all of our videos. Here is the general link. Services go “live” at the time listed above: FLC on YouTube

Preparing for Easter: Walking the Passion. A meditative walk around Kordiak Park with stops to read and reflect on Jesus’ Good Friday. Kordiak Park Walking the Passion.
Resurrection Rolls Recipe – Try this great Easter recipe with the kids!

Community Meal: Curbside Pickup 11 AM – 12 PM
April 12 Menu – Ham & Scalloped Potatoes

Your free will donation helps support our important food ministries. And if you would like to drop off an offering, or donate online, we will gladly receive it.

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