The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39
March 28, 2008
Valley Churches
FAITH
Standing in front of the empty tomb By Sandy Ferguson Windermere Valley Shared Ministry On Sunday, Christians around the world celebrated the mystery of Easter the heart of the Christian faith. Through the events of Holy Week, we witness the revelation of God among us. All that is familiar and tired is swept away as we stand in front of the tomb, listening in amazement to the angel proclaiming that, “He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” And through this celebration, we are challenged with the reality that the resurrection of Christ Jesus is an event which calls us to action. God is acting to show the world that there is always reason for hope, reminding us that we are not alone in the world, because God will always be with us, loving us. And, so, we are called to go out into the world to share this gift, to renew the hope of those who feel trapped by the struggles and limitations of this world. What clearer example of how God’s love revealed through Christ Jesus will change the world. Two women, people who in the time of Jesus would have been considered the least, will be the first to proclaim to the world, “Hallelujah, Christ has risen!” Once more, there is reason to hope! After all, if Jesus had been merely interested in impressing the so-called ‘important people’ of the world, surely the first people he would have appeared to after
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the resurrection, would have been the leaders of the Temple, or Pontus Pilate, or maybe even the emperor of Rome himself. They would have gotten things done and changed the world by a decree or by passing a law. If Jesus had appeared before such people, the world would have no choice but to accept that Jesus is truly the Son of God, and therefore should worship him. But Jesus is not that kind of Messiah. The Good News of God’s love that he reveals is not something to be forced on the people. It’s not something that can be proved by a very public appearance and impressing everyone. It’s not a question of saving the world by passing a decree or a law. Instead it’s a question of faith. When we hear the story of the resurrection, our response should be based on faith, faith that God loves us so much, that God acts so we will make a willing choice to proclaim Christ the Messiah. Jesus saves the world by changing our hearts, by opening our hearts so we will feel the presence of God in our lives and be changed by the experience. So, what does it mean for us to stand in front of the empty tomb? Are we ready for our lives to be changed by this revelation of God’s love? Are we ready for the challenges that lie ahead for us? After all Easter is only the beginning of the story. Now we are called to go beyond the empty tomb to share with the world the Good News that God is with us. As the angel says, Jesus has gone ahead to Galilee, there you will see him. Are we ready to follow?
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WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY Sunday, March 30th: 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship, Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday Service Children’s Church during the message part of the service. Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere Saturday 7 p.m. Mass • Sunday 9 a.m. Mass St. Joseph’s Church, Hwy 93/95 Radium Sunday 11 a.m. Mass St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats • Sunday 4 p.m. Father Jim McHugh • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Evening service the first and third Sunday of the month, Brisco Community Hall. Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m. Relief Society, Noon. President Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079
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The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, March 30th: 10:30 a.m. Celebration Sunday. Sunday School, age 3 to Grade 7, during morning service. For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Jared Enns • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535
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