Happy Resurrection Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009
Waltrina N. Middleton

REBIRTH. RENEWAL. REDEDICATION.

Things have been pretty challenging at my internship. This is a church in transition and many of the elders are simply not open to change. They are weary of the choir using tambourines to accompany their singing. I learned recently that one of the ladies on the Easter Tea committee was upset when the committee had to give up their "storage" room so that I could have an office. Keep in mind, the office door says "Assistant Minister." The pastor even placed a phone in the office for my use and the next Sunday, it was relocated to the Diaconate office.

On one hand, I feel welcomed by many; but on the other hand, it is clear many are resisting the subtle transformations that are taking place at the Good Shepherd. They want to see their congregation grow and return to it's days of glory. The challenge is, some want to see the growth without making the necessary adjustments to achieve it.

The sermon today was again dedicated to welcoming home those who have left and are wanting to return. The pastor spoke of the new birth and the symbolism of new beginnings through the death and resurrection of Christ. He used this as an opportunity to charge the community to come back, reclaim, and renew their covenant with the house of God. This brought many cheers, again, another sign of change on the horizon. When I first came to this place, I was reprimanded for standing up and clapping. On this Sunday, people cheered, clapped, and several people were standing. One man cried out several times and no one seemed to find him odd. It was rejoicing to see it. It's funny, because when the gentleman first cried out praises to God, I jumped. I wasn't sure what was happening. It tickled me so to see his unabashed determination to praise and shout no matter what the others thought. I admired him so.

I was asked to offer the Easter Prayer. I was very happy to do so and will list it following this entry. But there was another prayer I was unfamiliar with given by another intern. It was the prayer of declaration. I looked it up on line but found very little information outlining what this is. I would love any insight on the prayer of declaration. Since Dr. Haldeman pointed out the differentiation in prayers last week; I have endeavored to become more cognizant of what the prayers represent so that I can offer the prayers the voice that is most suitable.

Following the Easter Service, we went downstairs for the Easter Tea. There was a live jazz band performing; food everywhere; kids modeling; food everywhere, and oh yeah, food everywhere. I am stuffed by the way and will likely fall asleep shortly after this entry.

I was proud of the kids and the Church School and Youth Ministry. They represented well and their tables came in 2nd and 3rd respectively for the Easter Tea Table decoration contest. They even got to put on display our first initial Youth Newsletter which I helped to produce. People really enjoyed it and I could tell the youth were proud too.

I praise God for this Resurrection Sunday and I rejoice in knowing that Christ gave so much for me and all of humanity.

Praise God,
Waltrina

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An Easter Prayer by Waltrina N. Middleton
April 12, 2009

The old Negro Spiritual says, "They didn't know who he was." They crucified my savior because they didn't know who he was. He left his throne in Heaven to sit among us and we complained, you can't sit here. These seats belong to the saints of the temple.

You came to feed us and we grumbled, the two fish and loaf of bread wasn't enough.

You came so we may taste the sweetness of wine that flows from a celestial vine. But we gave you vinegar when you were a thirst. You came to set the captives free and we threw you in jail with murderers and thieves.

You came to clothes us Lord with Love, patience, humility, truth and justice. But we stripped you naked and placed a crown of thorns upon your head, mocking you and scorning you, wishing you dead.

We didn't know--in our deaf and blinded ignorance. We didn't know who you was.

When you walked with us along the roadside, "Did not our heart burn within us?" But we didn't know who you was.

We said we'd never turn our backs on you Jesus, but before the rooster could crow, we had already denied you and ran away. We didn't know who you was.

The hymnal asks, "Were you there?" Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? When they pierced him in the side. When they laid him in the tomb.

I answer yes. Yes, I was there. When I didn't welcome the stranger. When I stirred up the waters of envy, confusion, deceit, lies, and hypocrisy. I was there.

I was there, when my neighbor cried out for help and i turned and looked away. When I had an opportunity to demonstrate love and let my light shine and I choose instead to keep it to myself. I was there Lord. "And sometimes," as the hymnal continues, "It causes my soul to tremble." Forgive me Lord.

But on this day, my soul is crying out hallelujah because you prayed for me upon the cross. In your last words you looked to the almighty and prayed "Forgive them for they know not what they do." And though you agonized and suffered, you took on death and the sinful burdens of the world just for me.

I can run on and tell the good news today--Christ is not dead. I can tell the believers "Come and see the tomb is empty. He is not here!"Christ lives! Christ is Risen!

On this Easter day we celebrate a new life, a rebirth, a re-dedication--all because of the resurrection of our Lord. For three days there was silence, but let us open our mouths and rejoice today with gladness! Let our spirits sing sons of praise!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today!! Ashe. Amen.