Approaching Easter

by General Presbyter Melana Scruggs

Many people who move to Florida from northern states say they miss the seasons. I don’t miss winter at all. Shoveling snow, being cold, wondering if church will be cancelled, are not on my list of fun. I like the color of the leaves in the fall but not raking them. What I do miss is the greening of spring when everything is coming back to life. We get a little of that in Florida, but not like we did in Missouri. Spring and Easter are partners, new growth and life as we celebrate the resurrection. Although I have had some very, very cold sunrise services!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to teach the Sunday morning education class at Siesta Key Chapel. My focus was heresies and truths of the resurrection. We looked at all the gospel narratives that tell the story of that resurrection morning and noticed who was present and what was said, or not said, in the case of Mark. Then we talked about the things that keep us from understanding the fullness of the resurrection, namely the idea of immortality of the soul. We got this idea from the Greeks, and we like it because we don’t have to rely on anyone else for new life if there is some part of us that never dies. But that is not resurrection! Resurrection is a gift of grace from God that can only happen after death. When we are helpless, God gives new life.

North Americans do not like being helpless or even relying on someone else for help. This mentality keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace. This self-reliance inundates our spiritual and church lives and makes us poorer. It is a difficult concept that we have to lay down our own power to receive the full power of Christ’s love and grace.

What might happen if we chose to claim the power of the resurrection in our churches and lives? What might God do is we allowed the Holy Spirit more freedom in the church? 

The world is changing so rapidly and the church can be a beacon of hope in what often seems dark. I am praying for each congregation as you approach Easter. I pray that you will find newness, hope, and encouragement for your continued work.

On a personal note, our family is having a new life entering at Easter this year. Our first grandchild is due on April 21. Following his birth, I will be available by phone and email but will be limiting travel for a couple of weeks.