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Easter Day was like no other.  For the first time in almost three decades folding chairs and the rear gallery were used for an overflow congregation. More than 300 worshippers were present for the ten o’clock service: only on occasions of the parish and the Day School worshipping together has this happened previously. Of course, numbers aren’t everything—true, they don’t tell the whole story—but Easter Day was amazing.
 
In my heart of hearts I would love to name everyone who did so much to make Holy Week and Easter liturgies so powerful. But, I’m sure to forget someone, and therefore will err on the side of a generic “thank you” instead. Fellowship was strengthening; food was fabulous—both Maundy Thursday and Easter Day. The music, liturgies, preaching, flowers were beautifully executed. Silver and brass gleamed; candles burned majestically. Our five senses were satiated; our spirits nurtured; there was a power and presence to transform. The congregation was  beautiful—so engaged in worship, how could they not have been? Personally, I am still in awe that such a large congregation on Easter Day worshipped with such intimacy. Together, our worship was like a well-rehearsed dance—even for those who were present for the first time—like an orchestra with each individual bringing their best. There was room at the table for everyone. Come to think of it, doesn’t that sound a lot like the Body of Christ? The church is that “body… which God has so adjusted that there may be no discord in the body, but that all the members may have the same care for one another. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
 
The Great Fifty Days of Easter continue our joyful and victorious celebration from Easter Day to the Day of Pentecost.  We look forward to the continued celebration of Easter and to its culmination with baptisms on the Feast Day of Pentecost. In a very real sense, the renewals of our own baptismal vows serve as bookends for these Great Fifty Days. Having promised to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers” let us faithfully come together for worship Sunday by Sunday.
 
Faithfully,
Fr. Ray+