Today is the high point of the Christian year. Let us come together in celebration of the assurance that allows us to look beyond the temporary earthly things to the everlasting joy and peace of God's infinite love. Hallelujah!
Easter Services at 8:00, 9:30 *, and 11:00 * AM
Tuesday - Channel 9 worship service broadcast
Audiotapes courtesy of Les Vant (781) 944-3792
SCRIPTURE: "Jesus said `I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'" John 11:25
Let me share with you an amazing true story. On Easter Sunday 1988, I was at Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, deployed with my unit, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR. I worked closely with the Chaplain's staff there and was asked to preach at their Easter Sunrise Service. The service was scheduled to take place at the communication station on a solitary hill overlooking the Caribbean. Centered on top of this hill was a cross-beamed flagpole. Being as early in the day as it was, no flags were present on the pole, so it appeared as one giant cross.
That particular Easter Sunday morn began with considerable overcast and occasional showers. It was dark and dreary as the service began and proceeded. Then came the occasion for the message of the morning. I began preaching my Easter morning sermon, building up to the main point of my message. I proclaimed to all the dedicated souls who braved the clouded elements to attend this special service, "He is risen!" In that very instant, as if on cue, the sun burst through the clouds, beaming through the giant, empty cross, unto all who gathered there.
Was this simply coincidence or divine intervention? Regardless of how you perceive this happening, for those of us there on that Easter morn, this was an awe inspiring experience that none of us there will ever forget!
Pastor of the Glendale United Methodist Church and First United Parish of Everett and U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain God's Travelling Mercies
PRAYER: Gracious God, thank you for those special unexpected moments in life that inspire us and that demonstrate your love for us. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
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