Welcome to St. John’s in Jim Thorpe

We have just been going through the season of Lent, in which we have put away the alleluias, but when we have finished observing Holy Week, we will once again sing and hear the alleluias.  After all, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is more than a rite of spring, more than just a day to celebrate, but it is also a season of seven Sundays, and, in a way, every Sunday is a little Easter; it’s also why we worship on a Sunday rather than on a Saturday. 

We are Easter people. The United Methodist Hymnal in fact has a hymn in it entitled, Easter People, Raise Your Voices.  It was written in 1979 and uses the Christmas carol tune of Angels from the Realms of Glory:

Easter people, raise your voices, the sounds of heaven on earth should ring.
Christ has brought us heaven’s choices; heavenly music, let it ring.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Easter people, let us sing.

Fear of death can no more stop us from our pressing here below.
For our Lord empowered us to triumph over every foe.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!  On to victory now we go.

Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song.
When in trouble move the faster to our God who rights the wrong.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!  See the power of heavenly throngs.

Being Easter people doesn’t mean we never struggle, nor does it mean that we have no problems.  But, it does mean that we have hope.  It does mean that life is stronger than death.  It means that we have the gift of eternal life, which is life with Christ that begins in this life and continues forever.  Thanks be to God!

Just a reminder that the celebration of Easter continues throughout the Sundays of April and into May.  We will also be celebrating the April birthdays on the second Sunday of April instead of on Easter,  and communion at the altar rail with  bread and wine will occur that Sunday as well.  All our Sunday services are broadcast on radio station WLSH, 1410 AM and can be heard through the internet.

See you in church and have a blessed Easter,

Pastor Bill