Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist

Easter is actually a season lasting 50 days, right up to Pentecost which this year falls on June 8th.  Whereas Lent is a time for introspection, Easter is a time for celebration.  Christ is Risen indeed!  I like to think of Easter as a time to consider all the things that need resurrection in your life and our community.  What has become stale in your life?  Where could you put more energy to bring more satisfying results.  What should you leave at the tomb, and where can you find new life.

One of the ways we’ll be celebrating resurrection in our shared ministry is with the combined service and town hall on April 27th.  Scott Reynolds, the growth animator for Chinook Winds Region, will be there to give a reflection, and then guide us through a process of remembering and visioning and dreaming together.  This will be a time for us to consider our pasts, celebrate the moments that have made us who we are, remember those times where God has shown up for us.  We’ll consider what areas of our church life need resurrection.  Then, we’ll dream together as 3 faith communities – Ogden, Red Deer Lake and McDougall.  In those dreams we will consider the unique opportunities each community of faith can explore under the umbrella of a shared ministry or pastoral charge.  We want to go forward together, supporting each other, inspiring each other and creating a partnership that will sustain us all as we move forward.  

Our hope is that anyone who considers one of these communities your spiritual home will attend and be heard.  It is also open to anyone who is curious about being part of our communities, or who is loosely connected to what’s happening.  The more people who participate in these discussions, the greater the creative opportunity.  Hope to see you all at the McDougall site on April 27th,  10:30 for worship, town hall to follow.  There will be a light lunch to share.

Here is a prayer from Worship in the City by Nancy Elizabeth Hardy.

Great and glorious God,

You have rolled away the stone and raised Christ to life,

And now you invite us to share in the Good News.

Give us the courage to welcome the winds of change in our lives

As it sweeps the sidewalks

And brings hope to hungry families, released prisoners,

Sick and sad people of all ages.

In this season of Easter,

Run with us in the joy of new life

That transforms the way we see the world and one another.

For Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!