Christ Congregation Princeton

"Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Jesus asked Mary Magdalene when he met her outside the tomb where she had expected to find his body. As Easter arrives, I am thinking about emptiness that comes as an astonishing grace and a discombobulating joy, calling us into a world we can barely begin to imagine but that we receive a glimpse of on this day. Beloved friends, I am sending so many blessings for you.

SEEN
A Blessing for Easter Day

You had not imagined
that something so empty
could fill you
to overflowing,

and now you carry
the knowledge
like an awful treasure
or like a child
that roots itself
beneath your heart:

how the emptiness
will bear forth
a new world
that you cannot fathom
but on whose edge
you stand.

So why do you linger?
You have seen,
and so you are
already blessed.
You have been seen,
and so you are
the blessing.

There is no other word
you need.
There is simply
to go
and tell.
There is simply
to begin.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons
janrichardson.com/books

Image: “In the Garden of Resurrection”
© Jan Richardson
janrichardsonimages.com

Inspired by John 20:1-18.

On Sunday, Pastor Kirk reminded us that the gospel doesn’t begin with what we lack — it begins with who God is.

We give thanks for the women of scripture — like Hannah and Mary — who lead us, teach us God’s character, and show us the bold, justice-shaped calling of Christ.

May we do the same — worshiping not out of fear, but out of trust, and joining the song God is still writing among us.

We’re hosting a screening of Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. This powerful film explores Rustin’s life, legacy, and enduring impact on movements for justice and equality.

The evening will include light dinner and a post-film Q&A with Dr. Sara Wasserman. Sponsored by the Coalition for Peace Action, the Bayard Rustin Center, and HiTops. Admission is free — RSVP today!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfFk4TZx1aEOwMmkiRKGi9hhj8uMp5X-54_ndmtXg-vlTAag/viewform?usp=header

Wednesday Prayer + Discussion resumes Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

In hard times, safe space and honest conversation matter. Join us for a come-as-you-are hour of prayer, reflection, and community. All are welcome.