Thoughts From Pastor Gordon - Thank you

Thanks to each of you. Your participation, your prayers, and your lives truly convey the message of resurrection. I would be amiss if I did not publicly express my gratitude to each of you. Thank you to the staff and volunteers of Oberlin United Methodist Church. Thank you to all who provide meals for youth, special events, Faith Weaver Friends, and at other events. Thank you to our teachers and leaders for your endless hours in preparing for learning opportunities. Thank you to our musicians for sharing your gifts of music that blesses each of us in so many ways. The ministry and selfless sharing of all members, constituents and the community provide countless opportunities to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Yes, I serve as your pastor, but each of you is a minister, called by God.

This month as we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ the Lord, may the words of the following prayer become fresh in our minds and lives as we live as Easter People:

God of us all,

We give you thanks for your love, your grace, and your power on this blessed Resurrection morning!

We thank you for the many friends and loved ones who have made the extra effort to gather here with us today.

We thank you for the brilliance of the colors on us and around us that remind us of new life! Today, blessed God, we gather to remember and celebrate:

We remember Jesus, who healed the sick and raised the dead.

We remember Jesus, who gathered children to himself and dealt kindly with all peoples.

We remember Jesus, who always kept the mission in the forefront, and the minutia in the lowest seat.

We remember Jesus, Son of God, Song of God, who sang God’s melody to us.

We remember Jesus, who consented to suffer and die at our hand.

Today, Almighty God, we celebrate the fact that death could not hold Jesus in the grave!

We celebrate that not even death is able to separate us from the love of God!

We celebrate the new life that we have in Christ!

We celebrate the assurance that we have of eternal life!

Today we celebrate and give thanks that in life, in death, in life after death we belong to God! Amen.

Blessings to each of you, your families and friends,

Pastor Gordon