1. Continued prayers for you and your loved ones. In these times of uncertainty, please stay close to the Risen Lord and lean on His strength and courage.
2. In this Easter season, we will witness those who doubt (Thomas) and those who did not recognize the Risen Lord at first glance (Mary Magdalene, Peter, the disciples at Emmaus). We may be feeling that way ourselves.  Where is God in all this?  How can I recognize the Risen Lord when I feel so anxious, alone, depressed or even desperate?
3. Our Risen Lord is in the phone call, letter, text or email that reaches into your life. He is in the family member, friend, neighbour or acquaintance who picks up groceries or medications and just gives you a kindly wave.  He is in the hope that daily medical and government briefings bring that eventually there will be an end to this.
4. Look for signs of the Risen Lord. Mary Magdalene recognized His voice – He speaks to us in prayer.  Thomas recognized Him in His wounds – He is with those who are suffering.  The disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Him in Scripture and in the breaking of bread – read the Bible, take communion when we all get back to church.  Peter recognized Him when he caught an unexpected load of fish after a night of nothing and when Jesus made the disciples breakfast – He is with us in our struggles, our challenges and our worries to help us and to nurture us by His presence.  He is the Good Shepherd who cares for us always.
5. Looking ahead, here are the poignant and inspiring Sunday readings for the month of May.

Sunday May 3:  Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2: 19-25; John 10: 1-10

Sunday May 10 (Mother’s Day):  Acts 7: 55-60; Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2: 2-10; John 14: 1-14

Sunday May 17:  Acts 17: 22-31; Psalm 66: 7-18; 1 Peter 3: 13-22; John 14: 15-21

Sunday May 24 (Ascension):  Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1: 15-23: Luke 24: 44-53

Sunday May 31 (Pentecost): Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104: 25-37; 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13: John 20:19-23

6. Please keep daily prayer a focus of your life. If you are able, watch live stream church services.  Continue reading inspiring books, stories of hope and accounts of people helping people to get through this crisis.  Watch upbeat TV programs and movies.  Step outside if you can and take in a breath of fresh air or sit and feel the warmth of the Spring sun.  Exercise in your home or walk at a safe social distance in your neighbourhood.  Look for the positive in life and relish the hope that is there.

Love and prayers always

Coleen+

Rector, St. Peter’s Anglican Church