I�ve been thinking about relationships and Easter recently - Easter obviously because it is only a few weeks away, relationships because of recent time with family and friends and because the Deacons have been talking about the importance of relationships in the community of faith.

One of the facets of Easter and the resurrection stories in scripture that comes through loud and clear is the importance and continuity of relationships. His disciples and friends were absolutely convinced that their relationships with Jesus did not end with his death. Paul later wrote that nothing, not even death itself, can separate us from the love of God we know through Christ Jesus. When we sing the words �He walks with me and he talks with me,� we are affirming our continuing relationship with Jesus. Some Christians have trouble imagining a relationship without a physical body; thus the belief in physical resurrection. Others view the resurrection more symbolically and metaphorically. But they share the affirmation of a relationship with God through Christ. This is what we celebrate on Easter morning, symbolized through the empty tomb.

Easter is not the only time we celebrate and develop relationships with God and Jesus. Every Sunday morning is a mini-celebration of the resurrection. Times of worship and prayer and spiritual discussions can bring us closer to God and to each other. This is why the Deacons have sponsored our Saturday morning discussions, to grow spiritually and to grow closer within our community of faith. This is why we are having a Taiz� service Good Friday evening.

And it�s not just serious times together. Jesus said, �Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.� We also gather in Jesus� name for times to enjoy each other�s company and to build new relationships. So you will be hearing in the near future about other opportunities such as sharing meals together.

One of the things I have re-learned through KVO and other community organizations is the importance of relationships to an organization. (Maybe they learned it from the church.) But in the church our relationships are two-pronged; they are relationships with each other and our neighbors, but they are also relationships with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

All of this is a part of what I celebrate when I get up early on Easter morning.

I will be on vacation from April 9-18. On April 19 - 20 I will be attending a meeting of the Council on Theological Education in New England at Andover-Newton Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Danielle Bartz will be preaching on April 15. I am so happy to be able to use the title of Reverend now. Danielle�s ordination service March 10 was a wonderful, spiritual celebration.

On April 22 Steve Meyerhans and I will report on our trip to Honduras during the morning worship services. We will share pictures, stories, and information about the E and R Synod of Honduras, the CEVER vocational school, and the general situation in Honduras.