Tag: good news

Pastor’s Notes 4/3/2026

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” –Matthew 28:7

As we arrive at Easter Sunday, we come to the joyful culmination of our Lenten journey, Tell Me Something Good.

Together, we have remembered that good news is ours… and all are invited. We have seen how good news can catch us by surprise. We have named it as great love for God and neighbor, and discovered that together, the impossible becomes possible. We have recognized that good news looks like protection and care for the vulnerable, and that it is rooted deeply in justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Again and again, we have seen that the good news is not passive and it is inspiring us to act.

And now, on this Easter day of resurrection and God’s eternal promise, we celebrate this truth: the good news is alive in the world.

New life emerges. Small resurrections unfold every day. Even amid life’s struggles like grief, illness, uncertainty, and pain, God is present. There is still blessing. There is still goodness. Jesus’ life and death journey reminds us of this truth.

During worship, we will share the “good news” Post-It note reflections written by you throughout Lent. These simple words have become a powerful testimony: the Good News story is still being written throughout our lives.

The invitation to “tell something good” will continue beyond Easter. Throughout the coming year, we will keep listening, sharing, and bearing witness to the good news alive in our midst. Each week, you’ll be given a simple prompt… a chance to reflect and to name where you see life, hope, and resurrection.

This week’s prompt:
Tell about your Easter memories. Was there a tradition, an Easter outfit, or practice that comes to mind? Maybe a special occasion, a meaningful gift, or a memorable worship experience? What did your family always do?

I look forward to worshipping with you this Holy Weekend.

Brett

“You give them something to eat.”

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:19-20

It is easy these days to run up against something that simply feels too big: Too many needs. Too few resources. Too many questions. Not enough answers.

If we are honest, most of us have had moments where we look at the situation in front of us and quietly think, “There’s no way.” That feeling shows up in our scripture readings this Sunday.

In Mark 6, the disciples look out at a crowd of thousands who have gathered to hear Jesus. Evening is approaching and the practical problem becomes clear: these people need something to eat. Jesus offers the disciples a solution: “You give them something to eat.”

At first it sounds impossible.

Then in Matthew 28, the disciples stand with the risen Christ on a mountain. The future of the movement seems uncertain. Jesus is leaving, and the world still feels vast and complicated. Yet Jesus entrusts them with a calling that must have seemed just as overwhelming: Go and make disciples of all nations.

Again, it sounds impossible. Unless… they are not doing it alone.

The good news in both stories is not that the disciples suddenly gain superhuman ability. The good news is that God’s work unfolds in community. What seems impossible for one person becomes possible when people gather, share what they have, and trust that God is already at work among them.

Five loaves and two fish do not look like much, until they are offered. A small group of uncertain disciples does not look like much, until they are sent together.

The church has always been a community that lives in this tension. We often begin with limited resources, imperfect plans, and ordinary people. Yet somehow, when we bring what we have and trust God with the rest, something more begins to happen.

Together, the impossible starts to look a little more possible, and that friends is good news! I will be out this Sunday but our very own elder, Rev. Chuck Babcock will preach the good news! Many blessings.

Brett