Skeptical about the Resurrection?

Maybe you have chances to talk with some people who are skeptical about Jesus rising from the dead. I struggle when I run into people who want “the facts” about faith issues, because I just know in my heart that Jesus is alive and real and active, I don’t need facts to make it real for me (even though I know they’re out there).  Plus, the Bible says it, so I believe it. But I know it’s not that way for everyone and sometimes wish I could communicate more effectively about the “facts” about the story of Jesus rising from the dead.

I came across a great article in this month’s Lutheran Witness by Dr. Paul Maier who is an Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University called “Reservations about the Resurrection?” He advocates  “…listening carefully to al lthe negative arguments against the resurrection, dismantling them one by one for their logical errors and then joyfully presenting ‘the reasons for the hope that is in us’ (1 Peter 3:15).” I find it very helpful. If you read it, I’d love to know what you think!

Some fun facts about Dr. Paul Maier:

• Ginny Opferbeck mentioned his fiction book “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” in the Holy Land Pilgrimage Bible class on Sunday
• He was one of our special speakers during First Trinity’s 150 Anniversary celebration in 1989
• The Hartnett clan has heard him speak several times at Camp Arcadia
• I feel like the Fromm’s might have some connection to him but I can’t remember it, right now. I know that as a boy, Dr. Maier spent a lot of time at a cottage on Lake Erie.

 

Easter Dinner: weigh in, please!

So, my good friends Jim and Kath have me over for almost every holiday and they provide most of the meal. I asked if we could flip it this time and I provide most of the meal. I wish I could also have everyone at my place, but it’s too small. Anyway, I’m kind of excited because Easter isn’t a meal that is laden with all kinds of tradition, so I can try some things that could be new. Here’s the menu:

• Easter Meat Pie (this is new to me, but sure looks good)
• Green Salad
• Fruit Salad (Kath’s making that…yummy!)
• Corn
• Rolls
• Potato Dish (see below!)
• Dessert (not yet decided)

Potato Dish. Don’t want to do the tried-and-true Cheesy Potatoes (awesome as they are). You know–the ones with the hash browns, corn flakes, cream soup, and sour cream. I love ‘em, but feel like they are everywhere.

I am trying to decide between:

Potato Cheese Casserole and Gnocchi Gratin (I would use store-bought gnocchi)

Any thoughts? Any other potato dish suggestions? Some criteria: one guest hates onions, it’s not a sweet potato crowd, and I’d like to put it together the night before.

Also looking for dessert suggestions!

 

Sermon’s Up: Easter Life

Pastor Chuck’s sermon  from yesterday is up. You can listen to it and comment on it here.

It was a great one (again!). My favorite quote: “The anti-dote for stress is not a program–it’s a Person”.

 

Refreshing

Walking to my car after church on Easter, I noticed this sign in the Mayback’s window. Kind of refreshing that they put a cross on the sign that says they’re closed on Easter. One of the privileges of being local-owned, I guess. I know I’m getting old, but the whole Bunny thing just seems so lame, when it comes to Easter.
PS Mayback’s also has a great lunch special!!

 

Sermon’s Up: Easter 2008

Pastor Chuck’s Easter sermon is available for listening and commenting! Check it out here.

 

Ramblings on Easter at First Trinity…

• Jesus is Risen–the best news EVER!!!!
• We had so many people at worship on Saturday and Sunday (735!!!). Some perspective: we had 596 people on Easter weekend in 2006 and 625 in 2007. WHOA. Any thoughts as to the big jump?
• We ran out of bulletins at 8:45 (that’s a great problem!)
• The Easter Breakfast was done with excellence by the kids and parents of our Student Ministries (that’s Barb Reardon, above, sharing a laugh with the Trautwein family). I had several people mention the “upgrade” in the decorations…pretty table cloths, candles. Oooooh la la.
• I’m sure all the ushers did a great job, but I got the pleasure of watching the team at 8:45 (Russ Wynia, Moose Moosmann, Jim Ruch and Dan Schrantz). They helped people find seats as the crowd grew, asked for more bulletins, said “Happy Easter” to all and managed an overflow crowd with great hearts and lots of hospitality.
• The ladies of the Altar Guild did a great job of adding to our communion elements when they saw how crowded it was.
• In the worship center, we took down the Jesus paintings that had more to do with the suffering and death of Jesus and put up the Easter one–Jesus holding up his nail-printed hand. It went perfect with Pastor Chuck’s sermon, which was based on John 20:19-31.
• The kids had a blast at the Resurrection Party. I never get tired of telling them The Story. They also have fun with the Egg Hunt.
• It’s always fun to see college students who make their way back for Easter: Stephen Joyce, April Van Der Puy, Caitlin Vance, and lots lots more.
• Something to think about for next year: All those guests and only one “Welcome, Guest!” card filled out. How can we plan to connect with those who are with us for the first time on Easter?

 

Wooooo hooooooo!

Jesus is risen from the dead. IT’S THE BEST NEWS OF ALL!!!!!

Who got the last word, oh, Death?
Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?–1 Corinthians 15:56 (MSG)

 

Raw grief

On Holy Saturday, my mind is drawn to Jesus’ friends and loved ones. You know– the people who hung out with Him on a daily basis. The Bible says that there were men and women who traveled with Him, and had made the journey to Jerusalem with Him. His disciples had celebrated the most important Jewish holiday with Him the night before He died. These are the people knew what made Him laugh and what He ate for His meals. These people knew His mom.

I cannot imagine the raw grief these friends of Jesus experienced on Saturday after Good Friday. I imagine that they gathered together to cry and pray. I imagine that they took special care of Jesus’ mom. I imagine that they told each other of the last thing He had said to them. Reminded each other of His words at the Passover meal (“Do this to remember Me…”). Those who had actually watched Him die (how awful would that be???!) may have told the others of His words while hanging on the cross.

Jesus was the Son of God and the sacrifice for the world’s sin.

He was also someone’s friend and a mother’s son. Today, I grieve with those people.  And I say, “BRING ON THE RESURRECTION, BABY!!”

 

Remember that you are dust

I sometimes feel like my faith practices are “out of fashion”–but I don’t really care that much. Like Ash Wednesday. Even in our own church community, not a high percentage of people make it to the services. I know everyone is busy during the week…and this year Lent is soooooo early. Here’s what matters to me about Ash Wednesday, in specific and Lent in general (Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent):

It does me good to be reminded that “I am dust and to dust I will return.” It is a reminder to me that I so need Jesus. The suffering that He was willing to undertake, for my sake is necessary. I wish there could have been an easier, softer way. But I am so dust. The heavy price that the Son of God paid? Necessary. Lent helps me remember that.

And baby, it makes Easter ESPECIALLY sweet! I am already longing for that great day.

Hey-there’s still time! Ash Wednesday service tonight at 7pm. Come and join us.