First Presbyterian Church March 2024
It’s Easter Time
Easter is a bit early this year, i.e. March 31st rather than in the usual month of April. It does not have a set date like Christmas, as it is based on an ancient, Jewish lunar calendar that predates our Western, solar calendar. Just before he was crucified, Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover holiday with his disciples, and so we mark his resurrection on Easter Sunday based on that 3400+ year old Jewish tradition. This is not mere coincidence, as Passover was the night the Jewish people were freed from slavery in Egypt. So, too, does Jesus free us from sin and death by his resurrection and life, which is the ultimate kind of freedom.
I once attended a Bible study where the first question the leader asked was “what time is it in your life now?” I thought this was a silly question at first, as it did not seem to have anything to do with the Bible, faith, etc. However, people in the group had some fascinating answers that spoke to the sacred nature of time, as they experienced it. A young person might say that it was morning, and that they hoped God would walk with them into the long list of unknowns that they faced. Someone said that it was “high noon”, as they were in the midst of a crisis, and they were afraid of a metaphorical shoot out at the OK Corral. Other answers were more pleasant, maybe they were relaxing in the evening after a long day and feeling thankful to God for that.
I once heard a Jewish author, Joe Moshenska, say that without God “time was just one damn thing after another.” Even if he and I have slightly different perspectives on the person of Jesus, I agree with his central premise. Our faith gives us hope that the world will be better when the messiah comes (Judaism), or rather comes again (Christianity). Maybe I will never see that in my earthly lifetime, yet it gives history a meaning and purpose, as God is in the mix. It’s not easy to believe that when I watch the news most days, or even when I just got sick on vacation. That’s when I start googling prayers for healing and wholeness, even when I have “tummy trouble” or even just a bad cold.
Series of unfortunate events do happen, as that is the nature of the world in which we live. Someday I will meet God in heaven, and I will probably ask a bit about why they happen so much to so many. However, in the here and now I doubt I will figure out that “puzzler”, as Harlow Everett used to say. He has entered into that full resurrection and life of Easter, while we only experience it in part. Still, it is Easter and Christ has risen! Alleluia, Amen!
Rev. Walter Stuber
First Presbyterian Church
11988 W. Main St., Wolcott, NY 14590
585-217-6030 stuberman1@yahoo.com
www.wolcottpresbyterian.com
Wolcott Council of Churches – Events
Palm Sunday Cantata: This will be on March 24 at the Wolcott Faith United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. and at the North Rose United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.
Maundy Thursday Seder Supper, March 28, 6 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Wolcott.
Good Friday Service, March 29, Huron Presbyterian Church at 6:30 or 7 p.m. TBA
Easter Sunrise Service, March 31, 7 a.m., in Northup Park.
Memorial Flowers for Easter Sunday
If you wish to have memorial flowers for Easter Sunday, we will need the information for the bulletin and also the money if you desire the church to purchase BY PALM SUNDAY, March 24. Enclosed is the form. Thank you.
Choir News
There will be a pop-up choir on the third Sunday of each month. Anyone interested in singing, there will be practice at 10 a.m. before the service.
Daylight Saving Time Reminder
On Sunday, March 10, Daylight Saving Time begins. Be sure to set your clocks ahead on Saturday night, March 9.
March Birthdays
Genevieve Stuber3/7
Pat Bierer3/30
John Boogaard3/19
Eva Cooper3/19
Paula DeMass3/15
Beverly Dutcher3/22
Amber Hall3/20
Jenna Henninger3/5
Lena Hodge3/17
Jack Johnson3/26
Bill Rothaug3/11
Erin Ryle3/3
Mary Ann Sparnon3/21
Marvin Tryon3/27
Brianna Vezzose3/23
Alice Youngman3/15
Kim Youngman3/12