You may have noticed a change in the process for communion. I would like us to move to a practice of communion by intinction (dipping the bread in the juice). This practice is something that I learned about in my first church job - I was associate pastor of a small, predominantly aging congregation, and I found it incredibly meaningful. 
Being able to look into each person's face as I offered them the body of Christ broken for them and the blood of Christ poured out for them was humbling, uplifting, and affirming all at the same time.
It humbled me to be able to serve my congregants in this intimate way. 
It uplifted me to share a moment with each person, even as short as it was, and to be reminded that we are all on this journey of learning to be more like Christ, together. 
It affirmed that my ministry, the path I have chosen, is one of serving others. 

Communion by intinction connects me to you, and me to God. It connects you to me, and you to God, and it connects us all to one another. 

I thank you for the opportunity that you are giving me, to serve you and become ever more humbled in service to Christ and to you.

Blessings,

-Pastor Sara - 

Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday - the day of resurrection. On this day, we remember that death is not the final word.
The season of Easter, however, on Easter Sunday, is just beginning. Eastertide, or the Easter Season, lasts from Easter Sunday and ends on Pentecost Sunday. 
During the season of Easter, we remember the events following the resurrection of Jesus: his appearance to the two travelers on the road to Eammaus, his appearance to and commissioning of the apostles, his teachings about how to be the presence of Christ in the world around us, and his ascension into heaven. 
The fact that Easter is a whole 50 day season, spanning each Sunday from Easter to Pentecost is refreshing to me. It's a relief to know that the joy of Resurrection Sunday continues on, in Jesus' appearances to his followers, and that the official end to Easter is Pentecost, when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit.
Relish this season. Enjoy the 50 days following the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. 
In fact, think about ways in which the Easter Season can be a spiritual practice for you. How are you being invited over the next 50 days to notice reminders of Christ's presence in your life? To be a living example of that presence to the people around you? 
As we continue to learn and grow together, I wish you a very blessed Easter Season. 

-Pastor Sara -