By: Marcy Barthelette

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

In recent weeks, Ken and I have traveled a lot of backroads, searching for spring. And we found it, around every curve, deep in every valley, and atop every hill. Drifts of yellow daffodils marked homesteads long forgotten. The humble violet hugged the ground in regal purple hues. Pear trees created clouds of creamy white and draped them over the landscape. Our beloved redbud trees painted the hillsides and roadways in beautiful shades of pink. And then came the dogwood and they really showed their stuff this year.  

The backroads were not the only places springing to life. Neighborhoods and business complexes all around the Ozarks joined in the parade of colors, the latest being azaleas. I think it is safe to say that spring 2024 has officially sprung!

I also think it very fitting that in this part of the world, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord in springtime, when everything is waking to new life. It’s hard for me to imagine saying Happy Easter in fall when leaves are turning color and tumbling to the ground. The resurrection is all about new life, a new way of communicating with God, through Jesus, the Intercessor.

It was also in spring, April of 2020, in fact, when a new publication, a new way of communicating, was introduced to the Aldersgate family. It was called the Gatepost Weekly and it was intended to keep our family of believers connected during the COVID pandemic. It informed churchgoers of the various programs that were being offered via Zoom. We learned that we could attend services and meetings online and, while most would prefer in-person worship, the internet, through various media kept us hearing our familiar music, sharing in communion, and learning how to cope with all the challenges we facedthrough the messages of our pastors. And for those who can’t attend in-person, our services remain online each week. Once the pandemic ended, and while we recovered from the darkness of a winter season into the new life of spring, communication was still the key element for keeping our family connected.

Today, our weekly email message provides information about activities happening at Aldersgate, trips and projects for our youth and a quick connection for them to sign up, news of Bible studies, ministry opportunities, introductions to new staff members and so much more. Gatepost Weekly continues to be a valuable element in our communications program.

I recall Casey Freeland’s request, four years ago, that I consider writing an article for the print version of Gatepost. At the same time, she casually mentioned this new email endeavor that she was preparing to birth and suggested I might want to write something for it. I gave it a try and we’re still going strong. To all of you who read or comment or encourage the words I share, I say a heartfelt thank you. And I extend my gratitude to Casey for creating eye-catching announcements and coordinating everything that goes into the making of a great publication, one that continues to keep us all connected and informed. I especially thank her for offering me the opportunity to contribute. It truly does bless me. Happy fourth anniversary to Gatepost Weekly! Here’s to many more.

As Christians, we have the responsibility and the privilege of maintaining our personal lines of communication with God, of keeping them free and uncluttered from the distractions of the world around us. Jesus suffered and died that we might be offered the gift of resurrection, from wherever we have fallen. So, as the earth is coming back to life in all its glory, listen for His voice, tell Him what’s on your mind. He’s always there and He wants to hear from you. Rejoice….Christ lives!

Rejoice always! I Thessalonians 5:16