I never get upgrades when I’m flying. But for some reason, I was upgraded to first class on my connecting flight to Charlotte, NC on Tuesday. I’m not one to believe that God is in the business of making these kinds of things happen for us.

No matter which Gospel writer you read, the events of Holy Week are a dramatic change for the Jesus’ disciples: especially the resurrection. In each Gospel, those who know Jesus are invited to ride a rollercoaster of change that they do not always buckle into with joy and excitement.

Happy Easter, First Church! In this first week of Eastertide I want to share some ambiguous good news. One ministry that brings us Easter joy is Lift UP, an organization whose mission is to reduce hunger and improve the lives of low-income residents in NW and Downtown Portland.