Dateline, Atlanta…first-ever Rostered Ministers Gathering of the ELCA. All who are ordained in Word and Sacrament, PLUS all who are deacons (formerly known as AiMs), consecrated in Word and Service. Of course, it is a delight to my soul to see so many ministerial colleagues, some whom I haven’t seen since seminary eleven years ago. The first event last evening was, appropriately, worship. How glorious and eclectic: Atlanta Brass Quintet, African drum ensemble, children’s choir. The message was given by Pastor Thulie Beresford of South Africa. She came to Trinity Seminary in Columbus, OH in 1990, having just lost her brother and father in a three-week span. She knocked it out of Turner Field (no, that’s not where we were, home of the Atlanta Braves; I just love baseball metaphors). She reminded us of how God does not promise no suffering, but indeed promises to be there with us, helping us through it. Just as our Lord Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, he comes alongside each of us in our day’s travels. He bids us tell us about “the things” of the day, then accepts OUR invitation to be our guest at our tables. Who will we have at our tables? May it be an angel sent from heaven to remind us of God’s lavish, unconditional love. I invite you to read about the traveling mercies of Jesus Christ our Risen Lord in Luke 24:13-35. May Easter joy be yours. Live from Atlanta, this is your Servant/Leader, Pastor Art.