How does one sustain an "emotional high," an elevated level of excitement and enthusiasm over a prolonged period of time???  This is a question I ponder as we enter the fourth week after Easter.  The season "after Easter" is still a time when we light the Christ candle and proclaim with excitement and joy that "Christ is risen!!"  But attendance was pretty pathetic this last Sunday, especially when compared with Easter Day; it seems the excitement and joy has dwindled.

 

Now don't get me wrong; I don't believe in going through life with an "artificial grin."  Life has its ups and downs (I've been there too).  I just can't help but wonder, if folks aren't coming to worship, how can they survive the "lows" when they aren't receiving the "good news" to restore their hope and joy?  While the message preached on Sunday is certainly intended to be of benefit to those in attendance, it seems sad and frustrating that many of those who may need it just as badly are not present. 

 

That's one reason why those who are at worship during any given week are admonished at the very end of the service, before returning to the outside world to "Go in peace and serve the Lord."  Our commission is to go back out into the world and be "little Christs" to those we meet, to be bearers and reflectors of the Good News, especially to those who were not in attendance on Sunday to be refreshed, restored, and re-created.  We are called to be an "Easter people," not just in the few Sundays after Easter, but each and every day. 

 

It's a tough call, but we are not left to accomplish it under our devices.  We are fed and equipped as we gather in God's presence to worship and praise Him and be fed by Him, that we might have our joy and excitement restored, in order to go out into the world as "ambassadors for Christ." 

 

It's an "awesome calling" and one that regular attendance at worship makes not just possible, but probable.  (The more we receive, the more we have to share!)

 

Want to know an "Easter high," even in the midst of a bad situation?  Join us for worship each and every Sunday.  There's Good News here you'll be able to use and to share.

 

Peace, 

 

Pastor Carol