Pilgrims on a Journey

We are pilgrims on a journey, We are trav'lers on the road; We are here to help each other. Walk the mile and bear the load.

Those are the lyrics to "The Servant Song" and as I reflect back on the past several weeks--Lent, Holy Week, Easter Day--I recall those words as a way for all of us to think about what we are up to at Emmanuel. The journey to the cross is one very clear example of how as a community we travel together on a spiritual journey. Of course, at the end of our Lenten travels stands the empty tomb, that glorious sign for us of God's desire for life to conquer death, hope to conquer fear, joy to conquer despair.

My first Holy Week and Easter as your rector was a real exercise in community life, in trusting that we had all that we needed to be present to God and one another, and in giving thanks for the ministries of so many committed people. So many highlights for me: the abundant and delicious meal on Maundy Thursday, the Stations of the Cross, my time with the altar guild and flower guild on Saturday, the drama and storytelling of The Great Vigil, followed by a festive celebration of the resurrection, two baptisms, all the children at the 10:30 service, the musical offerings of our choirs, meeting your children and grandchildren, parents and friends. So much to be thankful for.

There were also moments of miscommunication, a few missteps in planning, a change or two in liturgical practice that didn't quite work. We all continue to get to know each other, to discern what still works for Emmanuel and what needs to change a bit.

Please remember that all that went well and all that just missed are ooutward and visible signs of a community that is a gathering of pilgrims, pilgrims on a journey, a people open to walking the mile and the bearing the load. For us, Easter is the beginning of the journey, not the end. And we are never called to perfection, but instead are called to strive, to live in the light and joy of the resurrection.

Blessings on each of you for the Great Fifty Days of Easter and forever more. Amen. Hunt+