"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord!' " (John 20: 1-18)

Early Sunday morning before sunrise, Mary Magdalene trudged out in deepest sorrow to the tomb of Jesus… but left running in joy! The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Out of the grave came new life! Out of the darkness came new light! Out of the night came the dawn of a brand new day!

Easter is the time when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we normally think of Easter as being one day, on the liturgical calendar it is actually an entire season consisting of 50 days, lasting from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. As the foundation of our faith, the Resurrection is the lens through which we view all our other celebrations, commemorations, and vigils. This year at Bethel we celebrate three major events over the Easter season that signify the new life we have in Christ:

Easter 1 (4/11) Easter Sunday: Special Message: “Riding the Wave of Grace” by Pastor Dan Gibson. Special music by trumpeter, Bill Wagner.

Easter 3 (4/25) Bethel’s 80th Anniversary Celebration: “Moving Ahead in Christ!” Special Guest Preacher: Pastor George Tan, Director of Mission Empowerment for the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA.

Easter 6 (5/16) The Baptism of Magdalena Elizabeth Gibson. A special day for the entire Bethel family -- especially the Gibson’s!

So with the first disciple of Jesus, let us run with Mary from the tomb – not in fear and panic, but in excitement and joy! Let us run and share the new and exciting life we have in Christ Jesus at Bethel Lutheran Church!

Moving Ahead in Christ,

+ Pastor Dan

Previous Pastor's Pages

• Winter, 2004
• Fall, 2003
• Summer, 2003
• Spring, 2003
• Winter, 2002
• Fall, 2002