March and April in Chicago is when we almost want to "hope" Spring to come. Was that a robin? Are those buds on the tree? But then again, I remember a Memorial Day when the temperature was in the 40's. The Easter lilies are soon to come. And Spring will make it, even if the season limps in. We can be hopeful for the vitality of springtime.

The Cubs, Spring, and Easter. Chirping birds and fresh fruit and flowers. Baseball, lilies, and buds. Green grass. Lawn mowers. Lighter jackets. Bicycles and people on the front porch. We want to have hope. But life is not so easy, and sometimes we become mired.

We can wonder if we will ever experience that rebirth we have been expecting. A new job, a restored relationship, a better day. We want to be hopeful, but life is not so easy.

2,000 years ago, the people lived in a dark land. There had been no prophets, the sign of God's presence, for 400 years. The land was occupied by a pagan menace whose leader, Caesar, even claimed to be God. People hoped. They longed for freedom and a leader to take them to a new era. Jesus seemed to be that leader. He stood up to the powers. He healed and taught with authority. Life was not easy, as if it were covered in a shadow. Great hope began to surround this Jesus of Nazareth. Could he be the one? So many wanted to believe. Could he fulfill their dreams?

On a gruesome Friday, Jesus died. Life is not so easy. Hope died. It seems our hopes are often dashed. Our world turns dark. Maybe it is best not to hope anymore. We just get disappointed after all. But wait! What is that? What is happening? A stone rolled away? An angel in the garden? A Jesus who is alive? A kingdom not of this world? Eternal life?

Be not afraid to hope in Christ. His resurrection is our proof. Be not afraid to trust in Christ. Life is not easy. So he walks every step with you. He will never let go of you, not in this life or the next. St. Paul said "For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. " Amidst the torrents of life, through it all, be not afraid to hope in Christ. Because the grave was empty, our hope in not in vain. Even though some of our hopes have been dashed, be not afraid to trust in Jesus. Our hope is not in vain. Christ is the Hope that outlives our disappointments. It is Spring. It is soon to be Easter. Be not afraid to hope in Christ! Be not afraid to hope again. Amen.

Pastor Brad

I hope spring is finally on the way as I begin to write this letter. A big "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone who helped make our Mardi Gras event a success. With some of the profits, we sent a $200 check to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti. Please note that we have cancelled the Spaghetti Dinner that was scheduled for April 24th (our "dinner/ cooking" team needs a break!). Instead, we will direct our efforts to our "2nd Annual Backyard BBQ" scheduled for May 22nd, at 4:00 p.m. Last year's event was a fun time for everyone—so, mark your calendars and join us for fantastic food, games, fellowship, and great music from Looney Train (Steve Dawson's band).

The main focus by the Church Council continues to be twofold: (1) future membership growth; (2) building maintenance for the church and parsonage. As mentioned last month, on April 10, 2010, we will hold our Spring Planning Conference, directed by Sal Maggio, starting at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. We need your ideas regarding future plans for our church. Everyone is welcome to attend—members and friends of St. Paul's—no age limit.

That is all the news from Council. As always, there are many ways to show your support: attend the planning meeting, host Sunday morning "coffee hour, " bring a friend to church on Sunday or to one of our dazzling dinners or awesome activities, help our ministries such as Share Wear, The Night Ministry, Congregational Care, and so on.

See you Sunday,
Debbie Wisowaty
Council President