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"When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?'" - Luke 24:30-32 NRSVue

     In the days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his followers not in grand, dramatic displays but in moments of community—walking with them on the road to Emmaus, breaking bread at a simple table, preparing breakfast on the shore. Each time, his presence transformed uncertainty into hope, despair into purpose.

     Easter is a celebration of what happened and a call to live as resurrection people. Jesus invites us, time and again, to gather in community, to share in sacred meals, and to be nourished by faith and one another. As we step deeper into this Easter season, we are called to reflect: What does it mean to be a church community? Who is missing from our table? How do we grow in faith and welcome all into Christ's love?

     Fellowship is not just about gathering together but about discerning why we gather. It is about embodying the radical welcome of Christ, who never turned anyone away. The church is not merely a building but a living, breathing community of people called to share grace, justice, and love. As we discern the future of our church's ministry, we must ask: How can we ensure that Christ Church UCC continues to be a place where all are truly welcome? What new life is God calling us to embrace?

     Keeping hope alive, both in our spirits and in the community around us, requires us to trust in the resurrection promise—that new beginnings are possible, even when we cannot see them. Like the disciples at Emmaus, we may not always recognize Christ walking beside us. But when we gather at the table and break bread together, we are reminded that Christ is here, leading us forward in faith.

     As we walk this road together, may we keep our hearts open to the Spirit's movement, trusting that God is not finished with us yet. May our church be a place of resurrection, where all who hunger for hope, belonging, and renewal find a seat at the table.

Christ is risen! How will we live that truth in our lives and church today?

Blessings,

Rev. Gilbert