In the middle of a perfect storm of boxes and wadded paper at the parsonage, I greet you as your new pastor with good news of a greater move that God has made possible for all of us. In the events of Holy Week and the Three Days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter morning), God has moved us from the bondage of death to the unfettered freedom of resurrection life in the crucifixion and resurrection of His Son Jesus.

Christ has died - He has suffered the thing that we fear and endured the fate that we deserved.

Christ is risen - He brings us to life in the presence of God, now and forever.

Christ will come again - He holds all creation in His nail-pierced hands.

He is our beginning and our end.

In these times of fear and worry, as things happen in life that we can’t begin to explain, we know that through the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s love and life surrounds us all. The illnesses, injuries, and disease that afflict so many of us and those dear to us do not have the final say. It’s all about God’s new creation.

In our life together as St. John’s and St. Olaf Churches, we live to celebrate and bear witness to the great God who has and is moving us from death to life in Jesus Christ. We a part of something bigger than our selves. We are a part of God’s work in the world, making a difference in people’s lives today, building on the foundation of those who have gone before us.

This is what we celebrate in the moving events of Holy Week and the Three Days. I invite you to be among those gathering for worship as we recall those events through which come our life and salvation.

Peace and Joy,

Pastor Jim Harbaugh