A Voice in the Wilderness

2020-04-17

Christ is risen!  …now what? 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...”. 1Peter 1:3
 
This year, churches all around the world celebrated Easter online and many families were unable to gather as people everywhere sheltered in place. No community Easter egg hunts, no going over to mom and dad’s for Easter dinner. For many people, the day felt lonely and empty.

So, when all the trappings are stripped away, what does it mean to be Easter People?

"Where there is no vision, the people perish,” says the author of Proverbs. The same is true for hope. Without it we are dead. Many people wander through life wondering if this is all there is. Especially during these difficult times, there is no shortage of communities, families, and neighborhoods longing for hope.  But we are a people of hope!  This is one of our defining characteristics as Christians. There is a profound hope found in the story of a changed life. We are a tangible sign of hope to many people in this community.

“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15

We are a people with a story to tell – the story of our own redemption as we live it out in everyday life. We have the audacity to believe that we have hope that we can offer to our friends and neighbors here in Grand County!  The hope “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.”  The invitation is there in our stories…our lives. 

What is the hope within you?
“... Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
Our hope is not just wishful thinking, or some cleverly devised myth. Our hope as Christians is not found in the false promises and empty rewards that our world holds up as “the good life.” Our hope is lived out in the day in and day out reality of this present life. Our hope is on display in the reality of changed lives and healed relationships. Our hope is in Christ alone!
 
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
Stewart Townend  (© Copyright 2001 Thankyou Music)
 
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” Ephesians 1:17-19

Blessings,

Matthew+

Coming up...

Join us for Worship this Week

Saturday: Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM 

Time: Apr 18, 2020 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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Sunday: Morning Prayer at 9:30 AM 

Time: Apr 19, 2020 09:30 AM Mountain Time 

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You can click the buttons below to download a PDF copy for either service.

The Gospel according to Matthew

Fr. Matthew is offering a study on the Gospel of Matthew on Sunday and Wednesday mornings at 11:00 AM (we will cover the same ground on both days).  Grab your bible and bring your questions as we open the scriptures together. 

On Sundays, our study uses our morning prayer link.

Bible Study: The Gospel according to Matthew
Time: Apr 22, 2020 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 560 422 458
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Meeting ID: 560 422 458
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A word about giving

We recognize that there are a lot of folks who have been hit hard during this crisis and are grateful to the generosity of this community.

Some of you have asked what to do with your regular pledge and offering while we are not gathering together on Saturdays and Sundays. You may mail them to the church (we are picking up the mail every day) and we will put them in the offering plate and bless them during the service. You might also consider using billpay through you local bank if they offer that service. 

Thank you!

Thank you to all who helped with and participated in our holy week services. You can find pictures and information about all our services on our website here.

This Sunday's Readings

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

• Psalm 16

• 1 Peter 1:3-9

• John 20:19-31

You can read them online here.

Church Directory

Now more that ever we want to make sure our church directory is up to date. If you have moved or changed phone numbers in the past year, please click here to fill out your current information.

© Copyright, 2020, St. John the Baptist Episcopal • 390 E Garnet Ave, Granby, CO 80446

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