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An Easter Message from Jane van Patter- our Regional president

Easter Greetings from President Van Patter

With Easter just days away, I share the following with you. It is called I Deny the Resurrection and is penned by Irish philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins. Rollins challenges us to proclaim the Good News of Resurrection, not only with our Halleluiahs in worship, but also through our actions in the community and in the world daily.
“I deny the resurrection of Christ every time I do not serve at the feet of the oppressed, each day that I turn my back on the poor; I deny the resurrection of Christ when I close my ears to the cries of the downtrodden and the oppressed. Every time I do not serve my neighbour, every time I walk away from the poor… I deny the resurrection every time I participate in an unjust system. However there are moments when I affirm that resurrection, few and far between as they are. I affirm the resurrection when I stand up for those who are forced to live on their knees. I affirm the resurrection when I speak for those who have had their tongues torn out. I affirm the resurrection, when I cry for those who have no more tears left to shed. I affirm the resurrection each and every time I look into your eyes and see the face of Christ.”
May it be so for you and all communities of faith. Oh, and Easter weekend, April 1-4, offers an incredible opportunity for you to join in celebrating diversity in Canada. Against the Grain Theatre Company in Toronto is making available its production of Messiah/Complex – songs from Handel’s Messiah sung by a truly cross-Canada performance — in Arabic, Dene, English, French, Inuktitut, and Southern Tutchone, and accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Well worth the 80 minutes! Go to the website https://atgtheatre.com/upcoming/messiah-complex/ and stream from there.
In Faith & Hope, President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council

V. Jane van Patter