"Spring Has Sprung"

e-pistle from Bishop Mike

April 18, 2005

"Spring Has Sprung"

Everywhere I drive in Indiana these days, I see signs of spring. Spring has definitely "sprung" here in Indiana, with blooming flowers, budding trees, green grass, warm weather, and beautiful colors everywhere. Having lived in Fargo, North Dakota the past eight years, this spring in Indiana is especially welcome. Someone asked me the other day, "When did spring come in North Dakota?" The honest answer is that spring in the Dakotas was very unpredictable, with snowstorms occasionally surprising us in April, but with very warm weather coming soon afterwards. Springtime in Indiana is a little more predictable, and it is beautiful to see its emergence this year.

One thing we may not realize is how wonderful it is that our Easter season coincides with springtime. A few years ago the church where I was serving had a guest speaker from Australia. He was speaking on the second or third Sunday of Easter, and he suddenly stopped in mid-sermon, looked around at all of our flowers and decorations and said, "Oh my, how wonderful it is for you in the northern hemisphere -- you get to celebrate Easter in the Spring of the year!" Frankly, I had never thought about that before. I had taken for granted the fact that our Easter season comes in the springtime. I don't know how it would feel for Easter to coincide with declining temperatures, with the trees looking increasingly bare, and with the skies cloudy and cold. How wonderful it is for us to be able to celebrate both Easter and springtime.

I wonder what else about the Easter season I take for granted? I am so used to the Good News of the Resurrection, the promise of New Life, and the Hope of our Easter Faith. Perhaps I take for granted this Good News. Perhaps you do, too.

So, I propose that we enjoy this beautiful spring weather, but that we allow every sunny day to remind us to give thanks for the renewal of life. I hope that every flowering tree and shrub will remind us of Easter blooming. I trust that the warmth of the sun will help us to feel the warmth of God's love. And I promise to open my life and allow God's presence to spring forth in our midst. God bless you during this Easter springtime.

from Bishop Michael J. Coyner

Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"

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