Easter Afternoon Fatigue

by Rev. Debra Griffis-Woodberry

As I write this article it is Easter afternoon. My pastor muscle memory tells me that right now pastors and laity leaders are exhausted. You have helped many people to engage the Holy through Lenten studies and Holy Week services, beloved rituals, and Easter Celebrations. Added to Easter afternoon fatigue, we are looking back and remembering a year of Covid restrictions and adaptations. We made it to Easter afternoon, now what?

What are the next steps for church leaders? It is time to think about church for the near future. As denominations and churches evaluate and make decisions about services, classes, and events for the summer and fall, I offer two suggestions for the near future.

First, Rest. Carve out some way for clergy to find physical, spiritual, and relational renewal.

Second, look for signs of Resurrection. The empty tomb of Easter shouts that there is life where death was expected. Each spring God surprises us with new growth. Hidden in the soil, bulbs have multiplied and now bring forth new leaves and blossoms. Just after Resurrection day, people saw Jesus in many different places. Jesus was along the road to Emmaus, on the shore preparing breakfast and, in the room where the disciples were hiding. As we move toward a post Covid church, look for new things that may be sprouting. Different expressions of ministry, new configurations of people, and unique journeys of faith are emerging in our congregations and communities.

In Mark’s gospel, the women are reminded that Jesus said, “Go to Galilee and I will meet you there.” Like the early disciples, the church needs to head to the places where Jesus is waiting. Prayerful discernment combined with honest evaluation will help churches to know where “Galilee” is. Head in that direction. Jesus will meet you there.