A Message from Pastor Kaji

Dear Church:

I can’t even begin to share how BLOWN AWAY I was on Resurrection Sunday! The seats were full, the Holy Spirit was busy, and the joy in the sanctuary was something I believe our community will carry with us for a long time. I’m so grateful that we were able to take in so many new members, too! I trust you to continue to bring them into the fold as our community grows. 

Let me emphasize this: thank you for showing up. For bringing your fullness. For inviting friends and family! And celebrating resurrection with such power. And guess what? We’re just getting started.

Please take a moment to thank our team for their faithfulness throughout Holy Week. C. Anthony and his team, Stephanie and the staff and volunteers she shepherds, the Elders and Deacons for being ready and flexible with all of the extra souls, our worship leaders, David and his team for making the space so welcoming – all of you. I thank you with my heart. 

Let’s look ahead to this Sunday, when we meet the disciples tucked away in the Upper Room. Imagine the fear, the confusion they must have all faced. Thomas—famously skeptical (he’s known as “doubting Thomas”), but, let’s be clear: his role is crucial. He is deeply honest. Notice how, when he shows up to them, before he moves ahead with anything more: Jesus shows them his wounds.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to clean yourself up before coming to God… if you’ve ever been told your doubt makes you weak… if you’ve ever wondered whether your wounds are welcome in worship—this is your Sunday.

We’ll be talking about vulnerability, embodiment, and the courage to be real. Because belief doesn’t come from pretending. It comes from presence. And presence means showing our scars.

Finally, I am honored to share that we will take time to remember our beloved departed Elder of the church: Mary Norton, in worship on May 4 and at coffee hour following worship. Please come with your memories of Mary and anything we might place on or near the altar to point to her great love, faithfulness and brilliance. 
 

Pax Christi,

Pastor Kaji

SCRIPTURE
Acts 1:3-8, 12-14 (Year C, p. 174):

3 Jesus presented himself to them, living, after his suffering through many convincing proofs, by appearing to them forty days and speaking about the reign of God. 4 And staying with them, Jesus commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, rather to wait there for the promise of the Faithful One: “What you heard from me. 5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from this one.” 6 When they [the disciples] came together, they asked Jesus, “Rabbi, is this the time when you will restore sovereignty to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Creator has set through divine authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they entered the city, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were persevering in prayer together with women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his [sisters and] brothers. 

Study Guide: “Jesus Showed Them His Wounds” (John 20:19–31)

Reflect:

• Why do you think Jesus chose to show his wounds before saying anything else?

• What wounds—emotional, spiritual, physical—do you carry that you’ve felt pressure to hide?

• What would it mean to believe that your pain is not a problem to solve, but a testimony in progress?

Journal Prompts:

1. Where am I afraid to be honest right now?

2. What do I wish others could see and still love about me?

3. What does “Peace be with you” sound like when I say it to myself?

This Sunday at The Park:

April 27 | 11:00 AM | “Jesus Showed Them His Wounds”

Bring your questions. Bring your doubts. Bring whole self.

Jesus will meet you in all of it. And we will too.

Save the Date: Mother’s Day at The Park – May 11

We’re planning a beautiful worship celebration for all who mother and all who carry the weight of maternal love. It will be moving, meaningful, and joyful. Invite your people now—it’s going to be one of the most special Sundays of the season.