Dear Family and Friends of First UMC of Torrance,
As we step into the season of Easter, we are once again invited to walk alongside Jesus on the journey of the cross, leading to the triumphant morning of resurrection. Easter is the heart of our faith — a powerful reminder that even in the face of suffering, uncertainty, and death, God’s promise of life and hope prevails.
Our generation faces many challenging situations — national and global crises, social divisions, economic uncertainties, and a growing sense of despair. The weight of these realities can leave us questioning what it truly means to be a Christian today. How do we live as people of faith when the world around us often feels broken and fragmented?
The story of Easter teaches us that hope is not found in avoiding pain or bypassing the struggles of life. Jesus endured betrayal, injustice, and death — the depths of human suffering. Yet through it all, he held onto the hope of God’s greater purpose. His resurrection proclaims that God’s love is stronger than any darkness, and that new life is always possible.
Being a Christian in these times means holding on to that same hope — not with passive optimism, but with active trust in God’s power to transform. It means standing in solidarity with those who suffer, working for justice, and sharing love even when it feels costly. It means believing that the resurrection is not only an event of the past, but a living reality that continues to unfold in our lives and in the world.
This Easter, as we gather to proclaim, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!”, let us be reminded that the hope we hold is not based on what we see, but on who God is. Let us encourage one another to persevere in faith, even when the journey is difficult. And let us be bearers of resurrection hope — pointing to the light of Christ in every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every effort to build a more loving and just world.
May the risen Christ renew our hearts with joy and strengthen our spirits with hope.
In Christ’s Love, Pastor Jacob