To the People of God on Cape Cod,

In the Northeast, May is a month of dramatic life.  I remember leaving for the hospital to have my daughter on May 15^th and returning home a week later, shocked by the colorful transformation of the world.  Our creator has programmed into the world colorful and dramatic reminders that the possibility of new life is always with us.

The challenges of the winters of our lives are not irreversible. The snows of January and February 2026 snapped trees, sheared off branches, and reminded us of our vulnerabilities. Yet here we are. 

When Methodists would gather at their annual meetings, the greeting  “Are We Yet Alive?” was set to music by Charles Wesley in 1749.   The hymn famously begins: “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus for his almighty grace!”   It acknowledges trials, such as “What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last”.  It is commonly used to reaffirm community and resilience in the face of challenges, celebrating that the church is still active.

My recent trip to Savannah reminded me of our long history as a community of believers.   I spoke to people of our denomination there and visited churches that are older than ours, boast having known John Wesley. Our creator has plans for us to continue to spread the Gospel “as long as we live” and in every season.  You and I are the ambassadors of peace, new life, and possibilities still to be revealed!  “Rise, O folk of God.”  And be God’s May people.

In love with the Lord and each of you,
Pastor Dianne, May 2026