Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | | "Just As He Said…" An Easter Message from Rev. Terri Hord Owens
Among the most powerful words in Scripture: “He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). The foundation of the Christian faith is our belief that Jesus was raised from the dead, as He told His disciples He would so many times. The historic appearance to women—yes, women—on this first Easter cannot be overstated. In those times, a woman’s testimony required the witness of two men to establish credibility in any important proceeding, so Jesus’s appearance to two women, who were then trusted to go tell the disciples that Jesus is alive, is its own miracle. That Jesus would first appear to the women reminds us that Jesus was yet speaking to Jerusalem. The angel in the tomb provides the certainty they seek in the Synoptic accounts of the Resurrection story: “He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said.” Scripture bears witness that this is exactly what Jesus said would happen. Time and again, he made references to His death and resurrection, albeit somewhat veiled references at times. Those words, “as he said,” become a key part of the formula of telling the gospel story. We cannot tell the story of the empty tomb without acknowledging that Jesus has been raised, as He said. Mary of Magdala, the first evangelist, rushes to tell the disciples, who initially question her. She confidently stands on what the angel has told her, and nothing can dampen her enthusiasm. Just as He said, Jesus has been raised. We must claim this message and the power of the Resurrection every day, not only at Easter. It is indeed the message of the gospel: Jesus has been raised, just as He said. On the other side of Calvary, standing in the glory of the empty tomb, we recall that moment when Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem. Having understood His purpose, guided by the Spirit of God, girded up with prayer and Scripture, He moved through these days as He approached the time of His death, burial, and resurrection. Standing firm in the provision of God’s resurrection and power, we are reminded of the importance of committing to our own time of prayer and Scripture every day, not just during liturgical seasons. This is what grounds us and allows us not only to see Jesus but also to hear and share the gospel He gave us. When the time comes to bear witness, may we be found faithful, ever rejoicing in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. In every season and in every storm, we must remember that this was the day that God’s love answered us. On this Resurrection Day, may your hearts and minds remember and reclaim the power of God’s limitless love. Blessings and peace,
Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) NCC Governing Board Vice Chair | | NATI-RETI Registration
Open Until April 15 | | The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, in partnership with the Canadian Council of Churches, will host the North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) on August 3–16, 2026, with sessions in Detroit, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario.
NATI-RETI 2026 is a fully immersive residential theological learning program designed as a pilgrimage across borders — bringing together emerging Christian leaders from the United States and Canada for deep theological reflection and spiritual fellowship.
This initiative marks a significant renewed chapter in cross-border collaboration, creating a shared platform to engage the deep intersections of faith and public life, and to nurture the visible unity of the church.
NATI-RETI is designed to nurture the visible unity of the church and to emphasize the deep relatedness of justice and mission to that unity—equipping participants to reimagine the church’s witness in a polarized world. A diverse cohort of students and emerging leaders will help model the unity the ecumenical movement seeks to deepen.
For more information, visit the NATI-RETI website, or contact: Keith Swartzendruber — US co-director, NATI-RETI Keith.swartzendruber@nationalcouncilofchurches.us
Matthew Markay — US co-director, NATI-RETI Matthew.markay@nationalcouncilofchurches.us | | | Tax Assistance Tools Available | | Only three weeks remain in the primary filing season! As the April 15 deadline approaches and many VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites reach capacity, many people know that a truly free, easy-to-use virtual service is critical for helping people file. Here are some simple steps for outreach:
1. Utilize Outreach Toolkits to communicate in ways that work best for your residents/ clients. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
2. Request a custom referral link (a link unique to your organization) to use in your outreach.
3. Track your impact! Once you’ve signed up, Code for America will grant you access to a data dashboard so you can view data from your referral link(s). This will include key metrics like # of homepage views, # of returns accepted, and the estimated refunds received. Questions? Email outreach@getyourrefund.org. | | Early Bird Registration Ends April 6! | | This year, the nation faces massive upheaval and multiple crises. But Christians remain hopeful as we persevere in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Be in Washington D.C., April 20–22, 2026, and draw on shared faith traditions to inspire one another and call on Congress to commit to “Protecting People, Peace, and Planet!”
Through worship, workshops, solidarity, and Congressional visits, the hope is to bring together a diverse group of Christians to remind Congress of the shared responsibility to care for all that belongs to God. Learn more at advocacydays.org. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available. | | | Blessed Tomorrow Upcoming Events | | Faith + Climate Film Series Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities Get a glimpse of how people of faith respond to today’s climate challenges with courage, compassion, and conviction. Stay tuned for the full film series to spark meaningful dialogue, strengthen your congregation, and turn shared concern into collective action.
Each full episode will include a free toolkit with scripture, prayers, discussion prompts, practical next steps, and everything you need to lead a study, engage youth, or mobilize your community. | | Watch the trailer for Faith + Climate Film Series, Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities | | Register Today: The National Faith + Climate Forum, April 25 | | Join Blessed Tomorrow on Saturday, April 25, for the National Faith + Climate Forum, a powerful nationwide gathering that brings people of faith together to care for creation and advance climate justice. This free, live-streamed event will be experienced at in-person gatherings across the country, creating space for connection, learning, and faithful action rooted in shared values. Individuals are also welcome to join the livestream from the comfort of their own homes. Join an individual, or go further by hosting a local watch party at your congregation or community space. Host locations can receive up to $500 to support your event while bringing this transformative forum to your community. | | | | | | | Renaissance Woman The Creative Life of Louise E. Jefferson by Tasheka Arceneaux Sutton $24.99 | | | Wet Cement Inclusive Children's Ministry that Leaves an Impression by Julia Dennis $19.99 | | | | | Dream, Dare, Disrupt How Experiments, Risk & Embracing Failure
Can Build Life-Giving Ministry by Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups $19.99 | | More from Friendship Press… |
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