Easter's joys ahead

Are you noticing signs of spring? I hope new things are budding that you are excited to see bloom both outdoors in nature and within your personal life.

Each spring we are greeted by new delights if we look around: baby kittens, baby chickens, “pink snow” from blossoms on a windy day, small green leaves unfurling on trees. Take a walk around your neighborhood and really notice the plants and miracles all around.

When we are filled with awe and wonder it improves our mood. Gratitude opens us to more miraculous things, while fear and worry keep us living in stingy cramped quarters. We can begin to lose faith that spring exists in our lives or for that matter, God, too. Look around. Notice something of beauty and receive a sense of peace. A blooming plant can reassure us of God’s delight in creation, of which we are also a part. Know that God delights in you.

You can participate in delighting with others by coming to our final “Yoga and Soul” evening, Tuesday, April 4 at 5:30 a.m. Nikki has been a great instructor and many have loved being in touch with our miraculous bodies through this class. Besides yoga, there will be Easter cookie decorating and inspirational story-telling by Ronald Pilling and Cameryn Stein. This should be a very enjoyable evening.

There will be rough days ahead. Jesus’ final walk toward Easter was filled with pain and challenge. We can focus on the awful or keep in mind the determined sure-footed love of every step he took leading to the cross.

We will walk with Jesus, on Palm Sunday, April 9, first by celebrating his entry into Jerusalem with palms and festive songs. Then we will transition with him to symbolically walk the 14 stations of the cross in our sanctuary. We will meditate on his actions, but also on our own, reflecting on our own decision points and actions in the world today.

On Tuesday evening, April 11, we will join together to eat a simple soup supper at 5:30 p.m., then listen to our missionary to Palestine, Loren McGrail, tell us about life today in Jesus’ beloved homeland.

Those who wish to attend a Good Friday service on April 14 are encouraged to come to the joint worship that our church will do with Tehachapi Valley United Methodist Church at 6 p.m., at their church.

Easter morning we will celebrate the ancient story of love winning over hate. Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship followed by an Easter egg hunt for children in our courtyard.

May your Lenten journey allow God to bloom fully in your heart.

Our third annual “Kirkin ‘o the Tartan” service is scheduled for April 2, the first Sunday of that month. We will recognize loved ones we have lost and you may bring a piece of your family tartan, or some other family momento to place upon the altar during the service.

About Tehachapi Congregational Church:

No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

The Tehachapi Congregational Church is an open and welcoming community of faith that believes that each person, created in the image of God, holds a piece of the truth. Therefore we respect each person’s unique spiritual journey. We invite you to experience the difference that religious freedom in a caring community can make in that journey.

We are located at 100 East E St., in Tehachapi. Worship and Sunday School are at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Please join us for coffee and fellowship at our Friendship Hall after worship (approximately 11:30 a.m.). All are welcome.