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In the days following the resurrection, we find Jesus' disciples behind locked doors. They are grieving, and afraid. They're not sure what comes next - what are they supposed to do now that Jesus is gone?
Despite a locked door, the risen Jesus comes and stands among them - first to the ten, and then, a week later, to Thomas as well. Jesus offers peace, and the assurance of his presence. He breathes the Holy Spirit into them, and sends them out just as he himself was sent - to point others to the signs of God's presence and power in their midst, and to be about the work of forgiveness.
Forgiveness can feel like coming out from behind a locked door, or being loosed from bonds that strangle us and hold us fast. Forgiveness is liberation, and life.
We are likely well-practiced in asking God for forgiveness. During most of the year, offering our corporate confession for things done and left undone and receiving the words of God's forgiveness hold primary place in our Sunday liturgy. The gift of God's forgiveness is also received through the sacraments - in the cleansing waters of baptism, and in the meal we share at the Lord's table. Again and again God turns us from our sin and raises us to new life.
It can be harder to ask or offer forgiveness of our neighbors. We may feel so embarrassed by our actions that we'd rather avoid the person than be confronted again with what we've done. We may mistakenly think that offering forgiveness cancels out any consequences, or somehow indicates that what the other person has done to us is okay.
Sometimes, though, what is most difficult is the work of forgiving ourselves. Our mistakes and regrets and shame play on a loop, and we cannot imagine ever being free from them.
When we are locked in by the things we have done and failed to do, paralyzed by guilt, fearful and grieving, the risen Jesus comes and stands in our midst. He offers peace, and forgiveness, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. He unlocks the door, setting us free and sending us out.
With hope,
Pastor Kerri
Bonus resources:
- The commentary of Episcopal writer Debie Thomas on each week's gospel text is always excellent and thought-provoking. Here are her reflections on John 20 / the Second Sunday of Easter.
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As you're reading through this email, be sure to click all the words that appear underlined in blue font - these are hyperlinks, which open bonus content!
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Join us online, via Zoom or Facebook Live, or on the phone for worship on Sunday at 9am. Recordings of previous worship services are available on our Facebook page (no sign-in required).
Computer/Tablet/Smartphone - Click this link or open the Zoom app and enter Meeting ID 838 5330 2328 and password 15425.
Phone - Dial 301-715-8592. When prompted, dial in the Meeting ID: 838 5330 2328 and password: 15425. |
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The next Curbside Communion will be held this Sunday, April 18 from 10-11am, and Wednesday, April 21 from 11am to noon. Please drive down South St. and pull into the driveway at the rear of the church. Pastor Kerri will pass individually packaged bread and wine (or wafer/grape juice) through your car window, accompanied by a brief communion liturgy.
If you would like to gather outside with others for the communion liturgy on Sunday, you may meet at the rear of the church building at 10am. Please wear your mask and practice distancing. If you are unable to participate but wish to receive communion, please contact Pastor Kerri to receive it at another time.
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Vaccines are now available for all over age 16.
Fayette County centralized vaccine registry: Go here to register online, or call 724-430-3900.
Centerville Clinics: Call 724-632-6801, option 9.
Wal-Mart: Vaccines given at Connellsville Senior Center. Call 1-800-753-8827 to register.
UPMC: Find more info and sign up here, or call 844-876-2822 between 7am and 7pm daily.
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Synod Assembly is the annual gathering of congregations in our synod for fellowship, worship, and business, including electing representatives to various boards/events, approving a budget, and hearing about the work of the wider Church. This year, it will be held online via Zoom on Thursday evening, June 10 and Saturday, June 12. Trinity is able to send two lay delegates; registration opens this week. If you're interested in attending, or would like to learn more, please let Pastor Kerri know. More details are available here.
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In Our Prayers
To add a name to the prayer list, contact Pastor Kerri or the office.
Amy, Callie Cunningham, Nancy & John Dye, Mary Jordan, Nancy Kress, Phyllis Mandello, Kathy Richter-Harris, Ron, Nadia Schmidt, Paul Schmidtke, the family & friends of Greg Schroyer, Patty Schroyer, Amy Schwarz, Patsy & Dick Shawley, Joseph Stephenson, the family & friends of Bonnie Swink, Valerie, Jacob Wadsworth
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Thursday, April 15
Psalm 4
Daniel 9:1-19
1 John 2:18-25
Friday, April 16
Psalm 4
Daniel 10:2-19
1 John 2:26-28
Saturday, April 17
Psalm 4
Acts 3:1-10
Luke 22:24-30
Sunday, April 18 - Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:12-19
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
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Monday, April 19
Psalm 150
Jeremiah 30:1-11a
1 John 3:10-16
Tuesday, April 20
Psalm 150
Hosea 5:15-6:6
2 John 1:1-6
Wednesday, April 21
Psalm 150
Proverbs 9:1-6
Mark 16:9-18
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To reach Pastor Kerri, call or text 724-603-5589, or email her at rev.kerri.clark@gmail.com
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