After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  –Matthew 28:1

As we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning, we come to one of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture—Matthew 28:1–10, where two faithful disciples arrive at the tomb expecting to find death, and instead encounter new life.

This Sunday, we will celebrate with joy and wonder under the theme: “Finishing Faithfully: Death Is Not the End.”

Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that God’s story doesn’t end at the grave. The faithful witness of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary reveals a powerful truth: even in our deepest grief, even when the future is uncertain, God is still moving stones, still surprising us with life, and still calling us to go and tell the good news.

Easter is a Sunday for hope—for proclaiming that endings in God’s story are never really the end. Whether you are coming in joy or carrying sorrow, Easter morning invites you to stand on resurrection ground and hear again the angel’s words:
“He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.”

Come ready to rejoice. Come ready to be renewed. Come ready to believe again that love never dies. Come ready to walk with Jesus as he shows us once more how to finish faithfully. I look forward to celebrating Easter with you in person or on YouTube.