Pastor's Paragraph - April 9, 2020

Dear Friends,  

When I have been praying and thinking about Holy Week, a song that I learned during my young adult years came to mind. I don't know the title, but this is how it goes.    

I wake in the morning with my eyes fixed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.

I wake in the morning with my eyes fixed on Jesus, my eyes fixed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.  

You can make up your own verses for different parts of the day or activities. I have started singing - I think of the world with my eyes fixed on Jesus. When I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, I am reminded of many things. For now, I'll share just one - Friedens United Church of Christ's s focused mission is to share the love of Christ with children and youth. How do we do this during a global pandemic?    

Let us remember that we are Easter people. We are resurrection people. We rejoice in the good news that Jesus is risen. The grave cannot hold the powerful life-giving transforming love of God. Jesus' love cannot be stopped.    

Let us share this good news with children through word and deed, through prayers spoken and prayers echoing deep within.  

Let us pray for children and teens who are feeling lonely, anxious, depressed, or afraid.  

Let us pray for wisdom about how to share and support children and teens who are struggling with distance learning.  

Let us pray for understanding about how we can continue to help children who face food insecurity.  

Let us pray for connections with community partners who serve children and teens.  

Let us give thanks and rejoice for the joy, energy, and gifts children offer the world.   Let us give thanks for the hope and enthusiasm children bless us with.  

Let us send notes of encouragement to families with children and teens.  

Let us remember our belovedness as children of the Maker of the heavens and earth who brings new life to all! Let us offer praise! Let us keep our eyes fixed on the Risen Lord. Alleluia!      

5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." Mark 16:5-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)