Pathway leading to God’s Acre in Herrnhut.
The Pastor’s Easter Message:
In the Moravian Church, we worship the God of the cross, for it is on the cross that the God who created and sustains the cosmos offered his son for the sins of the world and took death into Himself.
St. John tells us that Mary Magdalene first greeted her Risen Lord in the garden where his empty tomb was located. St. John also tells us that, a week later, the Risen Lord invited Thomas to look closely at his hands, where the mark of the nails could still be seen, and to put his hand into his side, which had been so recently pierced by a Roman spear. Moravians are not alone is worshiping the God of the Cross. In an Article published in “The New York Times,” Peter Wehner, a Presbyterian, declares: “The risen but scarred body of Christ is the ultimate signifier of Divine empathy.”
This morning we celebrate the Resurrection of the Crucified One. His cross is the bridge that unites sin-sick humanity, with the grace and forgiveness of God. His resurrection is the massive sign that God has not abandoned us in our little world of time and space, but penetrated it, shattered it, and begun its transformation. Because he lives, we know that we shall live also. As the apostle has written: “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day.” (Note: That is straight out of the King James Version. You may recognize it as lyrics from a hymn by Fanny Crosby.)
This small service stands in the bright shadow of Easter’s past, but it is sign of a better time to come. I am grateful that we are all here. I pray that the Crucified and Risen Lord may hold you and yours against that better time that looms before us, almost close enough to touch.
The Pastor
We will pray the Easter Morning Liturgy in the churchyard at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, 2021. There will be a Band Prelude at 11:00 a.m. Attendees may stand or bring a chair. There will be no standing-up or sitting-down as a part of the service itself. You will simply maintain your chosen posture.
The Pastor and a Lay Reader will pray the liturgy responsively. Members of the Choir will sing the Chorals. Members of the Congregation are asked not to sing the hymns or respond aloud to the liturgy.
Following the Service, we will safely distribute Sausage Biscuits!
Covid 19 cautions will be in effect. All attendees must wear a mask, and observe social distancing (minimum of 6 ft.) with everyone who is not a part of your immediate household. Please do not sing or respond to the liturgy.
The Board