It was a glorious Easter Sunday here in Budapest! The sun was shining, there was a fresh breeze blowing, and God's people gathered together throughout the city to celebrate our risen Lord! He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!
Katie served as the moderator for our service today, and she shared with the congregation one of her favorite Easter readings, written by Henri Nouwen (from Christ Our Hope: Daily Lenten Devotions, p. 31).
Jesus always speaks about hope. And this hope is different from optimism. Jesus is not an optimist. He is not a pessimist...
Being neither an optimist nor a pessimist, Jesus speaks about hope that is not based on chances that things will get better or worse. His hope is built upon the promise that, whatever happens, God will stay with us at all times, in all places. God is the God of life.
Larry and Péter served Communion and then Larry presented the Easter sermon, first reviewing the Biblical Stations of the Cross, and then going on to speak about the significance of Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. Easter changes everything, and give us hope for the future. He spoke of the importance of making a decision to turn from sin and to follow Christ, and gave the opportunity for people to respond in faith.
The service concluded with an Easter blessing, written by our good friend Dan Sheffield.
Easter Sending Blessing
(Dan Sheffield)
O Lord Jesus Christ, who upon this day did conquer death and rise from the dead, and who are alive for ever more, help us never to forget your Risen Presence forever with us.
Help us to remember,
That you are with us in every time of perplexity to guide and to direct;
That you are with us in every time of sorrow to comfort and console;
That you are with us in every time of temptation to strengthen and to inspire;
That you are with us in every time of loneliness to cheer and befriend;
That you are with us even in death to bring us to the glory of your side.
We are certain that there is nothing in time or in eternity which can separate us from you;
In your presence we may meet life with courage and death without fear.
You turn our darkness into light.
We are certain that you are present with us as we leave this place and return to our homes, our families and our labours;
May we live this new life with our spouses, our children, our neighbours and our co-workers.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Christ the Lord is risen today!
Following the service everyone helped to set up the room for our Easter lunch. This year Ildikó and Judit were the organizers, but everyone brought something to share. There was plenty of good food and good fellowship around the table.
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!
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