First Presbyterian Church April 2024
Easter People
In case you somehow have not heard, the big news is that there is going to be a total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. Most children will have the day off from school for this, solar viewing glasses are even being sold in gas stations, etc. Our area of New York is supposed to be so overwhelmed by travelers seeking to see it that cell phone coverage may go out briefly due to the high volume of usage. I am personally more excited than worried about it, but I know that First Responders may encounter all sorts of trouble during this highly unpredictable, once in a lifetime event.
I do not equate them with First Responders, but the Roman soldiers who were tasked with guarding Jesus’ tomb were also very anxious, Matthew 27:62-66; 28:11-15. I doubt they knew much about Jesus and were just following orders to “keep a lid on things” during the biggest holiday of the year. There was an earthquake (Matthew 27:51) and the skies had darkened for three hours when Jesus died (Luke 23:44-45), which the authorities feared would spark an uprising. The guard duty itself was pretty easy for two days, until Easter morning that is…
“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.” Matthew 28:1-4 (NRSV)
Some commentators have even speculated the guards saw more than the empty tomb, but the body of Christ being resurrected. I personally find this to be a stretch, but it does raise an important question. Why do the two Marys respond with faith to the appearance of the angel, whereas the guards’ fear is so great that they become catatonic? Even after they have recovered, they do not become disciples, but run back to the evil chief priests who gave them their doomed mission. They do financially benefit from this though, as they are paid off to spread a rumor that they fell asleep and the disciples stole the body. Normally, a Roman soldier would be put to death for sleeping while on guard duty, but apparently the chief priests keep them physically safe from this as well. (Matthew 28:11-15)
Perhaps therein lies the answer to the two different responses? People often deny God, truth, justice, etc. if it gives them a sense of safety and/or financial security. The two Marys do not materially benefit from meeting the angel, yet they become an
“Easter people” who share in Christ’s resurrection and life. Both groups had clear evidence of God, but only the Marys had readied their hearts to receive it. My prayer for us this Easter is that we too can open our hearts and souls to God, both in big spiritual experiences as well as quiet moments. Amen.
Rev. Walter Stuber
First Presbyterian Church
11988 W. Main St., Wolcott, NY 14590
585-217-6030 stuberman1@yahoo.com
www.wolcottpresbyterian.com
Spring Rummage Sale
The Spring Rummage Sale is going to be Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4.
We are accepting donations now. Donations can be left off at church whenever it is open. You can also contact Dolores Gingerich for information or to arrange other times.
Help for setup and during the sale will be greatly appreciated. Announcements will be made in church for setup times, and there will be a signup sheet for workers for the sale.
April Anniversaries
Don and Pat Bierer 4/5/97
Richard and Karen Blum 4/4/70
Dan and Judy Tatum4/1/78
April Birthdays
Kayla DeMay4/15
Chris Gateley4/1
Noah Gingerich4/14
Dan Hall4/12
Edith Hutchings4/4
Dan Kilmer4/10
Evie LaDue4/17
Chantel Lockwood4/28
Sue Mitchell4/24
Daryl Rothaug4/22
Dan Smith4/15
Jolee Stubbe4/10
Kaylee Stubbe4/10
Jackie VanDeusen4/13
Madison VanFleet4/14
Oliver VanFleet4/7
Richard Younglove4/21
Allen Youngman4/9