Christ is the death of all that is, a bright, consuming fire,

whose flames requires our prior self as kindling for the pyre.

Christ is the death of dusty days of uncreative strife,

for out from fire we tread upon the threshold of new life.

– Susan Palo Cherwien

Beloved of God,

The journey of Lent culminates in our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on April 17th this year, and – Oh! – what a joy it will be to mark that day together, in person, after two years of absence!  We eagerly anticipate the return of the Palm Sunday procession, as well as special family activities both on Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter morning.  (Read more about these and other opportunities in the pages below.)

But, as events in the world constantly remind us, we come to that celebration of life by way of death.  As the crisis in Ukraine continues to evolve, Christian churches and other communities of faith around the world are mobilizing to respond.  Many are lending resources and materials assistance to help feed, house and accompany the millions of Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing homes that have become war zones.  Examples of spontaneous networks of helpers creatively engaging in efforts to address the refugees’ medical and physical needs is truly inspiring.  Here in Seattle, organizations such as Refugees Northwest and Lutheran Disaster Response provide us with opportunities to share our resources to make a positive impact.  And on this first Sunday in April we will be hearing from Eva Mader, contact person for our sister synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia (ELCER), about the new challenges and impacts the situation will have on the KIT ministry with youth and kids who have developmental and physical disabilities.  (KIT is our Pass the Hat recipient for April.)

Recently I had an exchange with Peace member Lisa Boeckh, who, along with husband Michael and daughter Juliana, moved to Berlin last year.  There in Berlin they are much closer to effects from the unfolding crisis.  I had shared with them an article about how the crisis in Ukraine had prompted ELCER Archbishop Dietrich Brauer to flee from Russia to Germany with his family.  Recently, a peace service including Archbishop Brauer was held at the Protestant Cathedral of Berlin—the Berliner Dom – a place where Lisa has begun attending services.  Lisa noted that the musical piece “Prayer for Ukraine” is now played routinely as part of worship there, and a choral setting is sung when the choir is present.  Lisa sent this LINK to a performance of “Prayer for Ukraine” from February 27 of this year.

Art, whether visual or musical, has the power to convey more than words alone can.  Expressions of solidarity, lament, hope, and the ultimate triumph of life over death are critically important for all of us to participate in and hear.   What experience can equal the power of singing JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY in the company of the Easter congregation? As we take the final steps of our walk together through Holy Week toward Easter, remembering Jesus’ final offering of himself and the burgeoning Ukrainian crisis, I hope you will choose to be part of it.

Living with Easter hope,

Pastor Erik