The signs of new life surround us:  the trees are beginning to bud, bulbs have sprouted and blossomed, the sun shines warmly on our skin.  After a long, snowy winter the arrival of spring is something we are grateful for.  What a joyous time of year!

In a similar way, we also celebrate the new life here at Payson Park Church.  Here in this Easter season our worship themes continue around the miracle of the resurrection as we marvel at the mystery found at the empty tomb.  Christ is risen!  God   offers new life and hope to the world! 

It’s by such grace that this community moves forward as our life together deepens through worship and service.  From our    mission projects like the much loved sandwich making workshop on the 14^th to our Earth Day celebrations on the 21^st to our strategic planning meetings where we are discussing ways to expand our ministries, there are signs of transformation all around.  As A.B. Simpson states, “Easter is New Year’s Day to the soul,” and I am grateful for all the ways we work together as modern disciples to share the good news of God’s undying love and compassion. Thank you for being a part of Payson Park Church.  Together with God we give life to this congregation, our second century of worship and service to the wider community now just beginning.  May we forever trust that it is for the good of God’s great creation we work, our individual lives    transformed in the process.  Christ is risen!  With Christ we rise!

With love and gratitude,

The Rev. Dr. Lael Atkinson