Happy Easter!!

Christ is Risen~~~

The Lord is Risen indeed-- ALLELUIA!!!!

This morning I experienced, what could only be described as, "indescribable". At 5:30 am (yes, I said AM), I sat in a darkened room with about 50 others to worship and celebrate our risen Lord through the service of "The Great Vigil of Easter". We began in total darkness- the sun had not yet begun to rise. We listened to readings: Genesis 1:1-22... the story of creation, Exodus 14:10-15... Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea, Ezekiel 37: 1-4... the valley of the dry bones, Zephaniah 3:12-20...the gathering of God's people, and finally John 19:31-24... the Crucifixion of Christ. After each reading, we sang an appropriate hymn- the most significant being the singing of "Were You There?", following the Gospel reading (there was hardly a dry eye in the room during this song). All this done, as I said earlier, in a darkened room... so powerful... so symbolic!!!

After this, we all processed outside for the Liturgy of Light. The procession was silent, so dignified, so spiritual! The sun was just beginning to rise- a perfect sunrise for a beautiful celebration! We gathered around a large pit, where the first fire was lit and blessed, and where the Christ candle (extinguished on Holy Thursday) was re-lit. It was a Holy moment!! As we processed back inside (into the sanctuary this time) led by dear Deacon Barbara carrying the Christ candle, we paused on occasion to sing the words, "The Light of Christ- Thanks be to God!" Back in the darkened sanctuary, we were each given a candle. As we processed down the center aisle, we were greeted by Deacon Barbara, Fr Joe and Fr Nigel (three of my very favorite people in the entire world). We each lit our candle off the beautiful glow of the Christ candle. As we sang, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today", little by little, the sanctuary began to glow with the Light of the Risen Christ-- it began to glow in my heart as well. It really was an incredible moment. The sanctuary was decorated beautifully- it echoed the joy that this day is all about. The service continued with a beautiful singing of the Exsultet (it's hard to explain... google it!) by Sr Mary Elizabeth. The words to this are so powerful, so meaningful! Next was more scripture: Acts 10:34-43, and Luke 24: 1-10... the Gospel of the Resurrection. As always, Fr Nigel's homily was wonderful... his words never fail to move me to my very core. His passion, excitement and love for Christ is so contagious... soon he had everyone shouting joyous "Alleluias". The love and excitement in the room was palpable!!

For me, the most meaningful part of any worship is the communion, but today- the day celebrating our Risen Lord, the moment of communion filled my heart with a love that I cannot put words to. Fr Nigel placed the host in my hand and said a warm blessing, and then looking into his eyes- I saw- and was filled with the absolute love of Christ!!! Thinking of this moment again, brings tears of joy to my eyes. It is a moment that I will not likely forget. As I returned to my seat, I stood and gazed upon the cross... upon the crown on Christ's head. My eyes filled with tears of joy. Thank you, Lord for this moment!

We concluded the service with more songs (12 in total today- we are blessed with an incredible music ministry- thank you Steve and Sr LilliAna). At the end, we were all given a beautiful plant by dear Nancy (Fr Joe's wife and one of the prayer team). As per Easter tradition at CtK, we all gathered for a delicious brunch in the Welcome Center- it was a time of friendship and fellowship... the perfect ending to the perfect morning.

Little did I know, however, that God was not done with me yet this morning.... I stayed at CtK for the weekend, mainly to avoid the long drive so early in the morning- but also to have a bit of a mini-retreat. After brunch, I decided to go for a walk before heading home. I found myself heading down the hill to the Healing Center... the chapel there is my favorite place in the whole world- I love spending time there in quiet and in prayer- the peace of this chapel is one that passes understanding and description!! I realized that Fr Nigel was there, so entered quietly, so not to interrupt. But, as always, he welcomed me with love and friendship. He is such a busy man, it's hard to find time to engage in a quiet social conversation with him-- but that is what God blessed me with today. God has so blessed me with the gift of Fr Nigel in my life, as an incredible spiritual role model. As I walk my spiritual path, ever mindful of my calling- I look, listen to and learn from this wonderful man of God. Today's conversation encouraged me even more in my calling (I know that was God's intention!) I also made the difficult decision today to slowly move away from my Methodist upbringing and begin the steps to officially become part of the Episcopal Church. It's a lengthy process, as Fr Nigel described- but one I know in my heart is right for me at this time. I don't want to ever leave the Methodist church completely-- but the doctrine and beliefs of the Episcopal church, are, I'm finding more in line with my own.

Today was an amazing, incredible, faith-filled, Christ-filled, Holy, love-filled day! Thank you, God for the gift of Your Son- and for the Healing power found at the foot of the Cross!

Christ is Risen~~

The Lord is Risen indeed-- ALLELUIA!!!