Easter morning with Yates was full of sunrise songs, bright flowers, voices raised, and hearts cracked open by joy. It was a celebration worthy of the season, and that didn’t happen by accident. So many of you gave your time, talent, and spirit to help bring it to life. Thank you. Truly. Christ is risen, and you made it show.
Resurrection is not a victory lap. It’s not just a feeling we chase or a doctrine we admire. Resurrection is something you live.
The Long “Hallelujah!”
That’s why the season after Easter has a name: “Eastertide.” It lasts for 50 days. That’s longer than Lent! The Church in its wisdom has long known we might need more than a day to take in what resurrection really means. Eastertide is not a cooldown period. It’s a continuation, a season to keep leaning into the new life God has made possible.
During this season, we’re walking through a sermon and worship series called “Because He Lives.” Each week focuses on a different first-person resurrection identity—not just ideas to admire, but truths to practice with your body, your habits, your voice, and your heart.
Because He Lives
We launch with “I Believe”—in the garden where Jesus called Mary by name. The following week, we join Thomas to consider what resurrection courage really looks like. On May 4, we turn to “I Am Forgiven,” as we witness the grace that reshaped Peter and Paul. Mother’s Day (May 11) brings “I Am Known,” as Jesus calls his sheep by name. May 18, our Sonshine Community leads worship with “I Am Being Made New.” Then on June 1, we bless our graduates and mark Ascension Sunday with “I Am Sent.”
Sent Around the Corner and Around the World
On Sunday, May 4, we welcome back Dr. Biju Chacko, former Yates member and Executive Director of the India Vision Initiative. Their ministry is resurrection-shaped: courageous, hopeful, and grounded in love. Thanks to your generosity through our mission budget, prayers, and hands-on support, Yates is part of this story.
Blood Drive, Holy Tuesday Edition
On Tuesday, May 27, we’ll host a Red Cross Blood Drive here at Yates. Giving blood is a tangible act of resurrection hope that is self-giving, life-saving, and surprisingly simple. It takes about an hour. It could save a life.
Through it all, the refrain still echoes: Because he lives, we live differently. Not perfectly. Not always easily. But with courage, truth, grace, and a little humor along the way.
Grace & Peace,