The Coming Spring

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves is heard in our land. (Song of Songs 2:11-12)

Different people like different seasons, and that's OK. But there is a special joy in watching spring come. In the very first chapter of Genesis, God creates light out of darkness, light out of chaos; green things flourish, birds and fish spread through the earth. "Let things exist!" and "Be fruitful and multiply!" are the first commandments.

Easter is coming soon, and it's my very favorite time of year. Partly because of the story of Jesus' resurrection, but partly because of what that story means for a world that God never gives up on. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

• This Sunday (March 8) we are having breakfast at 9 a.m.; please come and enjoy! (Don't forget Daylight Savings Time.)

• On Saturday, March 14, at 6 p.m., we are having Wings and Trivia at the church; please come and join the fun, and invite a friend.

• As Easter approaches, Ligonier is holding community services on Wednesdays at noon, with a 12:30 lunch to follow. The next three will be at Saint James Lutheran Church, and friends of mine from neighbor churches will be speaking; I bring the message on March 25.

• We're having special services on Palm Sunday (March 29) and on Easter (April 5). On Easter, come prepared to stay after for a congregational picture.

• We're joining Christian Church of Waterford for Maundy Thursday service (April 2, 7 p.m.) and hosting our own Good Friday service (April 3, 6:30 p.m.)

Be part of the new life that Jesus brings. And if you don't have another church family to live that new life, you are always welcome here!

--Jonathan