Grace and peace to you in the powerful name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

We have journeyed through Lent — a season of reflection, repentance, and sacrifice. We stood at the cross. We sat in the silence of Holy Saturday.

And then — Resurrection morning came.

The stone was rolled away. The grave was empty. Death was defeated. Hope was restored.

Resurrection is not just a moment we remember; it is a power we live. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us today.

Lent examined our hearts. Easter transforms our lives.

The resurrection declares that despair, injustice, fear, and even death do not get the last word. God does.

If God raised Jesus from the grave, what might God be preparing to resurrect in us?

Perhaps it is rebirth — releasing old habits and stepping into new life.

Perhaps it is renewal — rekindling prayer, worship, service, and justice.

Perhaps it is recalibration — aligning our priorities with God’s purpose.

Mother Bethel stands as a testimony that resurrection power is real. From Richard Allen to this present generation, we have endured and overcome because Christ lives.

But resurrection is not only about survival — it is about witness.

We live as an Easter People when we choose faith over fear, forgiveness over resentment, love over hatred. When our worship extends beyond Sunday into service on Monday. When we build, mentor, give, and serve with hope.

The question is not whether Jesus rose — we proclaim that boldly. The question is whether we will rise.

Beloved, God is not finished with Mother Bethel. This is our season of rebirth, renewal, and recalibration.

Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed.  And because He lives, we shall live also.