A Note from Pastor (April 2025)

"He's risen, He's risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord. He opened death's prison, the Incarnate Word...” C.F.W. Walther wrote those words on Easter of 1860 as he was heading back to Germany for a much needed rest. Not surprisingly, it is often times of suffering and cross bearing that produce the greatest and most comforting hymns. As Walther’s hymn declares, “The Foe was triumphant when on Calvary The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree...But short was their triumph, the Savior arose, And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes!” Echoing the words of the Apostle Paul, Walther included these comforting words, “O, where is your sting death? We fear you no more; Christ rose and now open is fair Eden’s door. For all our transgressions his blood does atone. Redeemed and forgiven, we are now His own.” It is this message of the suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord that gives us hope in the midst of our own suffering and loss. We also rejoice in the promise of our own eventual resurrection from the dead, which is the victorious message of Easter and of the Christian faith! Therefore, “Sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice; proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice. Laud honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain with Father, Spirit He ever shall reign.” What a joy to proclaim with C.F.W. Walther that “He is risen, He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!”