| Pastor's
Ponderings
by Rev. Judy Crane Jones,
Pastor Christ Memorial Church

I realize that this winter has not
been as rough as some past years, but
nevertheless I was very happy to see
Spring come our way again. I am always
pleased to celebrate Easter. The
Easter Sunrise service seems to call us
out of the dullness of winter and the
deep thought of the Lenten season.
Where we have seen the draped cross,
we now see the garland of lilies. Most
of our services during Lent have been
without the cheery colors of flowers.
On Easter morning we are greeted
with the sight and aroma of lilies,
tulips, mums, hyacinths, and azaleas.
This is an aroma that can transport
me back to the Easter mornings of
my childhood. This is an aroma that
takes me to the Palace Theater in
downtown Columbus. The stirring
sounds of the theater organ and large
choirs, and the sight of the “Easter
Parade” down Broad Street.
I often wonder, how much I really
understood, as a kid celebrating
Easter. I know that part of the excitement
came from the new clothes
(well, I was excited about everything
but the hats mom made me wear).
As all kids do, I found it exciting to
go out for breakfast and then later
to be presented with a lovely basket
full of goodies. But as Paul reminded
the people of the church in Corinth,
there does come a time to put away
childish notions and childish things.
There has to be a time for each of us
when we begin to see the events of
Easter for what it really is.
Easter is the heart and soul of
our faith. Easter is the event that
changed the world forever. Easter is
the way we learn about the forgiveness,
grace and love of God as taught
by Christ’s death and resurrection.
I, like millions of others in the
world, wear a cross necklace or pin
nearly everyday. Not as just a piece
of jewelry, but as a reminder of the
gift Christ gave for all of us. Christ
gave up His very life so that we might
know the love God has for us. I wear
the cross to remind myself how to
love and care for the people I meet
each day. I wear the cross to make
Easter’s lessons part of my daily
life. The childish views of Easter,
with the cute chicks and bunnies is
replaced with a picture of true love
the is shared throughout the whole
year. Let your life be changed by the
gift of grace this Easter and everyday
to follow. As the communion prayer
reads: “We remember Christ’s death, we
celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and we
await Christ’s return “ May this Easter
be the starting point of a deeper faith
for each of us.
All Are Welcome
Christ Memorial Church
2440 York Street
Maundy Thursday Service at Christ Memorial at 7:30 pm
Good Friday Service at Mission Covenant 7:30 pm
Easter Sunrise Service 7:30am
Easter Breakfast 8:30 am & Regular Service at 10:30 am
At Christ Memorial.
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