Monthly Archives: March 2016

Christ is risen, and you, O death, are annihilated! Christ is risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life is liberated! That’s part of an Easter sermon given … Continue reading →

Last Sunday we celebrated Easter, and we sang my favorite song, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.”  I wish we would sing that song more often, but we reserve it for Easter. The sentiment of this song is how I feel … Continue reading →

What is your story? “This is my story …” Brother Jerry let me know about a great contemporary Christian song at a recent Lenten Soup Supper. Reflecting back on Easter, it has taken on even more meaning. “My Story” by … Continue reading →

From the first Alleluia to the last Amen, Easter at JOY is a celebration.  The sanctuary is filled with music from the choirs and people- the expression of our praises.  The chancel ares is surrounded with the beauty of spring … Continue reading →

Today’s post is a re-posting from Pastor Ed’s blog from Easter 2015, one year ago: All over the world, billions of people are celebrating Easter today.  Some with dinner out.  Some with a day at a church.  Each one is looking … Continue reading →

(Mike posted this a month ago, but it is relevant for Holy Saturday, so we tweaked the opening paragraph and changed the reading for today.) Yesterday, Annie posted about a seminary student who shared how some congregations are “Good Friday people.” They … Continue reading →

Good Friday?  I’ve often thought this was an odd name for the Friday our beloved Lord was crucified.  Yet, there is Good News, even on this darkest of days. In one of my seminary classes last month, my small group discussed … Continue reading →

It was a Thursday evening. Jesus shared his last supper with his disciples. He washed the feet of his followers (Jesus was always doing unexpected things) and said to them, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one … Continue reading →

As we prepare for the death and resurrection of our Lord, let’s prepare for the decision we need to make in our personal life.  Read Joshua 24.  Here Joshua gives us a history lesson on the faithfulness of God. How … Continue reading →

James Dobson and his wife have a phrase they use with all of their family members: “Be There!” The phrase means that no matter who dies first, they will all be together in Heaven again as long as they are … Continue reading →