Message from Pastor Jim 03/29/2026

Dear Friends,

If you’ve ever shown up somewhere expecting one thing and gotten something completely different—like biting into what you thought was chocolate chip only to discover oatmeal raisin—then you already have a tiny glimpse into that first Easter morning.

Except… this surprise was a whole lot better.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb expecting grief. They brought spices, heavy hearts, and probably a thousand unanswered questions. The last thing on their minds was joy. But instead of finding an ending, they found an angel, an empty tomb, and the most astonishing news in history: “He is not here; for He has been raised!” Talk about a plot twist.

The ground shook, the stone rolled away, and suddenly everything they thought they knew was turned upside down—in the best possible way. Fear and joy got all mixed together (you know, that strange feeling when something is so good it almost feels unreal), and off they ran to tell the others.

And then—just when you think the story couldn’t get any better—Jesus himself meets them on the road. Not in a grand parade. Not with a trumpet blast. But right there, in the middle of their running, their confusion, their joy.

“Greetings!” he says. Just like that. Simple. Personal. Alive.

Here’s the good news for us: Easter isn’t just about what happened back then—it’s about what is still happening now. It reminds us that: God is still rolling away stones we thought were permanent. Hope can show up when we least expect it. Joy can find us even when we’re carrying sorrow. And Jesus still meets us on the road—in the middle of our everyday lives.

So this Easter season, maybe we can live a little like those two Marys: Expecting surprises from God, Running toward hope instead of away from it, and Sharing joy like it’s the best news we’ve ever heard (because it is!)

And if you find yourself somewhere between fear and joy, unsure and hopeful all at once—you’re actually in pretty good company. That’s exactly where resurrection begins.

A little Easter encouragement for the week: If God can turn a tomb into an empty one, He can certainly turn our ordinary days into something full of life, laughter, and grace.

So keep your eyes open. Keep your heart ready. And don’t be surprised if joy shows up where you least expect it.

Because Easter means…

Life wins.

Love wins.

And the story isn’t over yet.

With joy (and maybe a happy little run in your step),

Pastor Jim