Easter: 72,000 Square Miles of Virtual Canvas
“My heart was filled with the beauty of our diocese
and the breadth of the work the Lord is doing among us.”
Some of the individuals and families who sent in their Easter photos to the Diocese.
72,000 Square Miles of Virtual Canvas
We entered this challenging season, recognizing that in the outbreak of fear and sickness, we could be the carriers of the greater outbreak of Jesus’ love. We are certainly not through this pandemic, but it is clear that by His grace, we are living into His call to be His church for such a time as this. Holy Week and Easter Sunday proved to be the most profound testimony that we are growing in unity, devotion and love.
Speaking of the diocesan-wide Easter Sunday service, one church family member commented, “…it opened up for me a window on our diocese that I didn't realize was there. So many different churches were represented.” Sharing the same sentiment another commented, “As we watched the combined service this morning, my heart was filled with the beauty of our diocese and the breadth of the work the Lord is doing among us.”
I could not agree more. How good was it to see Christian Huebner lead prayers from the fields and forests of New England and then to join Bryan Bywater on the steps of County Hall in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut where Street Church ordinarily gathers.
View all those who participated in leading the service:
Another member of the Diocese added, “My family and I gathered in front of the TV on Easter Sunday at 10.00am (thanks to my youngest who effortlessly mirrored the Facebook live stream to the TV) and from the opening organ voluntary to the last strains of Widor's Toccata, we were held in His risen presence.
At the close of the service we took our coffee outside. We half expected to step into the company of so many folk up and down the Diocese who had contributed and participated in the worship. My wife, Elena, commented, “I have just been to church!”
The diocesan-wide Easter Sunday service was viewed over 1000 times which means, in all likelihood, we are a congregation of many thousands. And this number continues to increase. This New England wide congregation is, of course, in addition to all the folk who streamed Easter celebrations from their local church.
This pandemic is far from over. Indeed, new initiatives around prayer and outreach will be communicated shortly. Without doubt, however, we are growing in unity, compassion, and love. There is an increased boldness and creativity in our outreach. I sent my eldest daughter to one of our churches on Easter Saturday to photograph a bold new sign immediately in front of the church doors. The sign welcomed anybody who needed it, to come and grab a wholesome, hot packed breakfast, hygienically put together in the church kitchen. Literally, as she was taking the photograph, a lady came and stood six feet to her left. She read the sign with interest, smiled and commented, “My family and I so need this. I am so grateful that they are doing this!”
On Easter Sunday it felt like God had set up a large tent across the whole of New England. 72,000 square miles of canvas under which all were warmly welcomed to know their place as family. And under 72,000 square miles of virtual canvas the Good News of Jesus Christ continues to be proclaimed in word and action and His risen presence is encountered. This is who we are! So, let’s keep on keeping on. Let’s celebrate every mark of His faithfulness and invite every stranger into His love. Courage is not always the mighty roar, many times it is His still small voice at the end of the day whispering, “Enlarge the place of your tent. Don’t hold back!”
In His great love,
+ Andrew
Watch the diocesan-wide Easter Sunday service here:
Happy Easter from Bp. Andrew and Elena Williams!