A Letter from Our Pastor

Church Family & Friends of Calapooia FMC,

Easter: A Time to Remember New Life

Even though we have had some cold and cloudy days since the beginning of springtime here in the Umpqua Valley, there are signs of “new life” popping up all around us from the bright yellow daffodils to the colorful heather, we see dotting the countryside telling us that spring really is here!

Easter reminds us of the new life that springs forth that calls our attention to look forward to something better.  And what we look forward to, especially after wintertime, are the warm sunny  days of summer. 

For those who follow Jesus Christ, Easter has a more important meaning in our lives.  It means that we also have something to look forward to someday when death comes our way, we know that death is not the end for us because of Christ’s resurrection.  That is why the Apostle Paul could write to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:54 ), “Death has been swallowed up in victory…the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.  

Easter also reminds us that Jesus keeps his promises!  Jesus knew what his mission was; it was the cause for which he was born to die in our place for our sinful nature.  Jesus even told of this event before the event took place to his disciples.  He said to the disciples (Matthew 16:21), that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  Even the Angel who were at the tomb on that first Resurrection Sunday reminded the women who came to the tomb of what Jesus said, (Mathew 28:5), “Don’ be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where He lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead is going ahead of you into Galilee .  There you will see him.’  Now I have told you.”

Jesus kept His promise that death would not have the final answer.  He is the living proof!  He is the one who truly can give us new life if we only would receive Him as our Lord and Savior and allow Him to produce signs of life within us that will reflect the beauty of love; the refreshing fragrance of grace; and the never out- of season fruit of the Holy Spirit  

Enjoy the true meaning of Easter!  Enjoy the Life the Lord desires to give to you!

Thankful for you!

     Pastor Stewart