Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Across the Pastor’s Desk by Joy Knoppel

Dear Albert Lea readers,

It has truly been a “joy” sharing ministry with you during my time here. I would like you to know that I am formally resigning as pastor from First Lutheran Church. Please keep them in your prayers as they discern what is next!

We are ending our Lenten season and entering into our Easter one. In the church world we often say the phrase “we are Easter people” and this means that we are people who still dare to hope and believe that God’s goodness is everywhere we go. This might seem ludicrous, especially when we look at the tragedy that is around us (anything from war to homelessness), but the thing about our faith is that death never has the final say. With Christ all things are made new.

It’s perfect that Easter comes right after spring because if you take a moment and look around you’ll see that this world is always being made new. The naked trees start to grow clothes of leaves, flowers begin to bud and God’s creatures wake up from their slumber and grow their families! In your own life things are being made new too. Maybe you adopted a new pet, started or ended a job, or even moved to a new home. This season is one of rejuvenation and hope that reminds us of God’s goodness and love for this world. Again, I know it sometimes feels like hope is far off or a foolish belief, but remember — Christ has defeated death and is with you always. No matter where you go or what happens in life, know that you are loved beyond reason by the God of the universe. We’re all going to be OK because we are in God’s hands.

I pray that this Easter season will be one of hope, joy, faith, and love for you.

The the grace of the Word of life rest upon you, the love of the Source of life embrace you, and the transforming power of the Breath of life help, strengthen and surprise you, this day and all your days. Amen.

Blessings of Peace,

Rev. Joy Knoppel served as the pastor at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.