Celebrate Easter & Support More Resurrection!

Beloved,
 
I am so proud of West End Church! Was that not the most beautiful Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter imaginable? From a Palm Sunday reading of the Passion by Christa, Kim, and Kevin, to the simplicity of an upper room communion and the covering of the cross on Maundy Thursday, to your meditations on Good Friday, to a family screening of Jesus Christ Superstar and a youth lock-in Saturday night, straight through to the quiet of Easter morning birdsong in the park and then the glorious fanfares of music and worship—I mean, come on, church! Resurrection is real and it is here at West End. It is for you.
 
If you missed any of this or want to go revisit, here are some clips. You know I’m not always sure I have anything to say, and sometimes on big holidays like Easter I’m wise enough to know it’s 99% about the music, but this year I did have something to say. Many of you have written to say how my sermon struck a chord in your souls too. Thank you for that. Here it is:

Speaking of the music—have you ever heard our choir sound as magnificent, or the Hallelujah Chorus more powerful?! Derrick, our choir of soloists and volunteers, our orchestra... they blew me away. Have a listen again (I have—it’s pretty glorious).

Friends, I hope you’re as proud of your church as I am. West End is a growing church! I'm writing to you today to ask for your support.
 
With just over two months left of the fiscal year, we have some work to do to fill our budget as fully as all of us filled our pews on Sunday. On Easter Sunday, we raised our voices and our songs to our living God. On this day of resurrection, I ask you to join me in raising some funds for our living ministry. From making excellent worship, to feeding people every Tuesday, to raising up our kiddos, to coming together in fellowship, First Sunday Jazz Brunches, and countless other activities, we all have gifts to give and share. Every dollar you give supports our ministry and presence in the world. 
 
Will you join me in making a special gift in celebration of Easter right now? And, for those of you who can, might you send me an email so we can set up a time to talk about some special giving opportunities the Board and I have in mind for all we have planned in the coming months?
 
Christ is Risen! Christ’s Church on the corner of West 77th and West End Avenue is rising too! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

With great faith in you,
Will