by Pastor Linda Skinner

This week Pastor Tim is beginning a great new series “Blessed are the…”. Reflecting on the Words of Jesus written in Matthew 5:1-12, I can’t help but fall on my knees and say “Thank You” to my Lord, for His many blessings. The most important of those blessings is the one we just celebrated last weekend, the blessing of eternal life.

What a celebration we had! I think it was sweeter and more special because of the times we are in right now. I was fortunate to have the blessings of worshipping with three different Washington Cathedral Easter Service congregations. One at the amazing Drive-In Celebration. What a celebration that was! Horns honking in praise of the Risen Savior (I think we could say the rocks and the cars cried out in praise.) A couple of geese even joined in on the fun. I loved it when Leon Patillo sang to the goose who joined us on the parking lot. Even the dogs joined in. What a morning.

At the same time, I was celebrating with our wonderful online congregation (three different times that day). What a blessing to greet each of those people online with the words “Happy Easter” and “He Is Risen”. As of Thursday morning, we have had over 40,000 people join in on our Online Service (Can you believe that? What a blessing!)

This weekend, we will be reminded that those blessings don’t stop at our Easter Celebration. Our God keeps on blessing. God’s blessings cannot be stopped by any circumstances or situation. They keep flowing. There is nothing that can stop Him. That’s “Good News”. I love the promises in Isaiah 61:1-3 that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ:

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Are you ready to be a “Great Oak”? I know I am. Join us this Sunday at 10:30 am for a wonderful online service and the start of a fantastic new Series. Below is link that you can use to get to any of our online venues – Facebook Live, YouTube Live, our Website or our App. Timothy James Meaney will be our musical guest this week.

God’s Riches Blessings be With You,

Pastor Linda