From Lay Minister Toviao Hopkins Happy Easter, Easter People! As the days grow a little longer and the chill of winter slowly loosens its grip, we begin to notice the quiet, beautiful signs of spring all around us. The snow softens, the sun lingers in the sky just a bit longer, and the earth prepares itself for new life. In many ways, this season mirrors what is happening in our hearts as we journey through Lent toward the joy of Easter. Spring has a way of reminding us that God is always at work bringing renewal. What once seemed still and silent begins to stir again with life. It is a gentle but powerful reminder that hope never disappears—it simply waits for the right moment to bloom. One of the greatest blessings we share in our small-knit communities and congregations is the way we walk these seasons of faith together. In larger places it can be easy to feel like a face in the crowd, but here we know one another. We pray for one another, celebrate together, and carry one another through difficult days. There is something truly special about a church family where handshakes linger, laughter fills the fellowship hall, and neighbors become brothers and sisters in Christ. This time of year is also especially meaningful as we celebrate the journey of our Confirmation students. Watching these young people grow in faith is one of the great joys of our congregation. They ask thoughtful questions, wrestle with big ideas, and discover what it means to make the promises of faith their own. Their curiosity, honesty, and energy remind all of us that faith is never something we finish learning—it is something that continues to grow throughout our lives. As Easter approaches, we remember that the heart of our faith is the promise that new life is always possible. The empty tomb reminds us that hope is stronger than fear, light is stronger than darkness, and God’s love is stronger than anything we face in this world. So as you notice the first hints of spring—the brighter mornings, the returning birds, the small green shoots pushing through the soil—may they remind you of the promise we carry in our hearts. Easter is coming. Life is returning. And God is still making all things new. Thank you for being part of a congregation where faith is shared, kindness is practiced, and God’s love is lived out in simple, beautiful ways every day. May God bless your homes, your families, and this wonderful community we share. GIGGAT, Toviao LME