Welcome to Highlands United Church!
As I begin to put finger to key to welcome you to our Highlands Season of Easter, that great celebration is still two weeks away and the forecast is for flurries on the mountain. Easter? What Easter! The greenery of crocus bulbs has dared bare itself to the elements of a threatened winter extension, but the flower continues to exercise caution. How can we sing an Easter song in a cold land? Yet Easter approaches.
“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Yet in my world, the seasons are not particularly orderly. In my world, Good Friday suffering so often comes crashing in on Christmas cheer. In my world, Thanksgiving can emerge on just about any day. In my world, Christmas – the celebration of God’s birth – just doesn’t stay in its place but spills over into every season. And as for Easter, as for resurrection, as for new life? Well Easter can be a most unpredictable friend, popping out at delightfully inconvenient times.
Come gather at Highlands in person or online as we move through the relatively orderly celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection. May we experience the presence of God who is alive, who is unpredictable, who doesn’t follow the rules, but graces us with a peace and hope beyond our understanding.
Hope to see you at Highlands.
Rev. Will Sparks
Lead Minister, Highlands United Church
