Spring is here, and we are in the liturgical season of Easter. Both Easter
and springtime are seasons of new life and new growth. A few weeks ago,
I attended the Next Church Conference, a grassroots gathering of
Presbyterians from around the country who are seeking to envision new
ways of being the Church in today’s culture. We listened to interesting
speakers, attended educational workshops, and heard inspiring stories
from church leaders who are doing the work of God’s kingdom in new and
innovative ways.
The theme of the conference was “Desert in Bloom: Living, Dying, and Rising in a
Wilderness Church.” The theme verse came from the Prophet Isaiah, who wrote, “The
wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the
crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of
Lebanon shall be given to it the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory
of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” (Isaiah 35:1-2) This is a prophecy given to God’s
people when they were in exile. In this desert experience, they learned that God had not
abandoned them, but that God would redeem them and make the dry, desolate places
bloom in bounty and splendor once again. So often, we may think the church in our
time is in a place of scarcity and decline. Yet, God is making all things new, sprouting up
green stems and bright flowers of new life in the dusty earth. On Easter, Jesus rose from
the dead, triumphing over death itself. Jesus promises that those who trust in him will
also experience this kind of new life in their lives. God’s kingdom is advancing, and not
even death itself can stop it! I believe that God is not finished doing great and powerful
things through our church. In this Easter season, let us pray, trust, hope, and watch for
signs of new life and new things God wants to do in and through us.
Blessings,
Pastor Hilary Livingston
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