Dear People of Hope,
This month we will enter Holy Week, the week when we follow Jesus with palms and shouts of “Hosanna!” to the cross and then, finally, to the empty tomb. While the lead-up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is surrounded by Christmas lights all around us, music in stores and movies reminding us of the season, Holy Week comes with very little to remind us that it is on its way, except for maybe Easter candy on the shelves.
Palm Sunday begins our week remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (and traditionally, also, Easter Vigil) are considered one service held over several days. Why do we leave them in silence without a benediction? Because the service is not yet complete; we will be returning to worship again. We will not hear a benediction until Easter! This is the rhythm we are invited into; setting aside time to gather, pray, reflect, and on Easter Day, rejoice with hope. This year, we are also joining Christians for Equality for a vigil remembering those unhoused neighbors who have died in the cold.
It is such a contrast to what may be going on around us to think about breaking up our normal schedules for these strange services and gatherings during a long winter. Waving palms. Eating a meal in the sanctuary. Entering into the day that Jesus died. Entering into the death of our neighbors and the call to action it places upon us. All of it leading up to the shouts of “Alleluia!”
I invite you to take a look inside our newsletter for what is planned. Are there ways you can help? Do you need to shift your calendar now in order to join us? Set a reminder in your phone today!
May Holy Week be a holy interruption in our lives.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Liz
This month we will enter Holy Week, the week when we follow Jesus with palms and shouts of “Hosanna!” to the cross and then, finally, to the empty tomb. While the lead-up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is surrounded by Christmas lights all around us, music in stores and movies reminding us of the season, Holy Week comes with very little to remind us that it is on its way, except for maybe Easter candy on the shelves.
Palm Sunday begins our week remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (and traditionally, also, Easter Vigil) are considered one service held over several days. Why do we leave them in silence without a benediction? Because the service is not yet complete; we will be returning to worship again. We will not hear a benediction until Easter! This is the rhythm we are invited into; setting aside time to gather, pray, reflect, and on Easter Day, rejoice with hope. This year, we are also joining Christians for Equality for a vigil remembering those unhoused neighbors who have died in the cold.
It is such a contrast to what may be going on around us to think about breaking up our normal schedules for these strange services and gatherings during a long winter. Waving palms. Eating a meal in the sanctuary. Entering into the day that Jesus died. Entering into the death of our neighbors and the call to action it places upon us. All of it leading up to the shouts of “Alleluia!”
I invite you to take a look inside our newsletter for what is planned. Are there ways you can help? Do you need to shift your calendar now in order to join us? Set a reminder in your phone today!
May Holy Week be a holy interruption in our lives.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Liz
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