​According to Acts chapter two, the earliest converts to Christianity led a fairly simple life. They gave up all personal possessions and lived communally. They devoted themselves to learning from the writings of the apostles (bible study), fellowship (pastoral care and friendship), breaking of bread (communion), and praying. ​

We have again entered the season of Lent.  The word Lent means spring, and according to the blessed groundhog, we might be seeing signs of spring early this Lent.   Lent developed as a time of fasting and preparation and teaching especially for those who would be baptized at the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter.  Lent was really designed for growth for new Christians and older Christians alike, all walking the journey with Jesus to the cross, to the empty tomb.  That’s our growth goal again this year. 

​How was Easter for you this year?  Personally I had a deep and very meaningful Holy Week again this year.  Some of you were able to attend the Seder meal on Maundy Thursday led by Jewish professor Rachel Bendor.  That helped me feel the setting of that last supper Jesus had with his disciples before we went into our Maundy Thursday worship.  Along with many others, I was very moved by our Good Friday evening worship, with the music, the singing, the story, and holding a nail, and then being able to drop it in a metal bucket right at the front of the church. Easter sunrise worship was awe inspiring, seeing the sun rising, and also being able to see the moon in the other direction, and to get our Easter lantern lit from the fire there in Serenity Park, and then a few hours later seeing a lot of children hunting for eggs in that same park. It was wonderful to see our sanctuary so beautiful with flowers and candles and banners and people, and to sing those Easter hymns and songs, and hear again the Easter Gospel.  Thanks to all who made this year’s Holy Week at Ascension so memorable.