Dear Partners in the Gospel,

As we journey to the heaviness of the cross and to Easter joy, we’re seeking to know and imitate Jesus-A Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief. And we’re being careful not to shy away from our own sorrows, or the sorrows of others. Because to be a follower of Jesus is to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to allow our hearts to be tugged at and even broken, so that the compassion and love of Christ can flow through us.

We’re also learning from Jesus how to accompany those whose griefs and complaints are deep and wide. Our twice-a-month Grief Support Group helps do that. Those of you who serve funeral luncheons here do that! And also, our willingness to listen to the cries of our neighbors whether those cries come from next door, or the southern border, or the middle east, or the central city.

Compassion and community are two things that everyone needs, which rank right up there with oxygen and nutrition! We grow our capacity for both of these, as we gather for worship, study, fellowship and service. And we find ways-individually and together-to spread it out there in the world.

A couple of weeks ago, the world ranking of “Happiest Countries” revealed that Finland ranks at the top of the list (again!), and that we’re not doing very well on that ranking in this country. There are a host of reasons for that, no doubt. But one thing that concerned me especially is that our younger adults (under 30) in this country report being the least happy among us. Again, I’m sure we could and should dig for some reasons for that. And again, I would bet that more compassion and a greater sense of community would be part of the answer!

Those are two things we as church are to be good at and getting better at! In our Greater Milwaukee Synod, there’s a young adult group forming in the Milwaukee area, called Gather MKE. A couple of our young adults are trying it out. Maybe you know another who could? And, though traditional ‘church’ isn’t real high on many young adult’s radar, we might still have something to offer. Both compassion and community are contagious! So is Easter joy! We get to spread those things around!

- Pastor Paul