Christ Appears to Thomas, mosaic by Rowan and Irene LeCompte in the Resurrection Chapel, Washington National Cathedral

Kindred in Christ,

What a joy it was to celebrate Easter Sunday together. Thank you to everyone who showed up, served, sang, brought food, welcomed others, and helped create such a meaningful and energy-filled day. It truly felt like a glimpse of resurrection life in our midst.

This Sunday, we begin a new Eastertide series called Signs of New Life. Together we will explore how resurrection is not just something we celebrate once a year, but something we learn to notice and live every day. We notice the signs of new life around us and join in God’s work of justice, healing, and change-making in the world.

We’ll begin with John 20:19–31 and 1 Peter 1:3–9. In the Gospel reading, the disciples are behind locked doors and Thomas wrestles with what feels impossible to believe. It is a story about fear, questions, and the surprising ways Christ meets us right where we are.

As we begin this journey, the invitation is simple and profound. To become people who stay open to the signs of new life around us. To trust that God is still at work. And to grow together into a resurrection people who embody hope, courage, and love in the world.

May we open ourselves to new life together this season!

Alongside you,

Pastor Paul Ortiz