Pastor Note for
April/May 2024

Too often we leave our faith at Easter. We stand outside the tomb and celebrate God’s incredible act of love which forgives and the moments of grace where Christ is visible before us. But whether intentional or not, we fail to allow the gift of the Holy Spirit to fill us, move us, and lead us from there. We are frozen from moving beyond what is to what should be and what can be by God’s grace.

Perhaps like the disciples, who overcome by fear were held up and held back in Jerusalem after the resurrection, it is a fear that paralyzes us from moving beyond. To live by this faith, pro- claiming this reality, would undoubtedly mean changing lives as it did in theirs. It upsets the status quo and calls into question many of the prevailing policies and practices. But through the time leading up to Pentecost, the disciples continued to gather for worship, to pray seeking out guidance, and to synthesize the teachings of Christ. Then, despite their fear, filled with the breath of God they began to proclaim God’s love and forgiveness. It is the language of resurrection they speak – the language of Truth and victory of love and goodness. And such language as that is, indeed, universal. Speaking out against evil and injustice and oppression and speaking for what is right and good and just and loving is something all can hear and understand. Yes, this will mean change in and to our lives. Yes, it will mean speaking out against what is and working actively towards what can be. The gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift of action and reaction to injustice in our churches, in our schools, in our governments, in our policies, in our nations, in our world. It is a commitment to work to create equity through policies and practices that are fair for all. It is the willingness not only to say and personally show, but to actively engage and do.

We all know that the world does not reflect the God of love which we celebrate in Jesus Christ and are led by in the Holy Spirit. Too many profit and gain off of practices and policies that are unfair and unjust. Some are filled, while others hunger; some have an abundance, while others have nothing. But just because that is the way things are does not mean that it is the way it should be, has to be, or always will be. We are gifted and graced with the Holy Spirit to speak up and speak out, to let God’s breath fill our lungs and the winds of God’s change compel us forward. Because, after all, we are a resurrection people who not only pray but believe that earth can and will truly reflect heaven!

Yours in Christ, 

Rev. Daven Oskvig