Preparing for Holy Week
How time flies. Holy Week and Easter are fast approaching. We continue to listen to Mark's story of Jesus and the disciples, as they enter Jerusalem. As we hear these stories, we remember God's call to keep our face turned toward God, embrace one another as children of God and embrace creation as belonging to God. In these passages we also hear God's judgment on the ways we so often discount and trod on one another when we sit in seats of power, whether those powerful seats be religious seats, societal seats or governing seats.
As we enter into Holy Week, we will remember this story through several special services.
On Palm Sunday, March 28th, we will remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, recalling the vision of a shepherding kingdom providing abundance for all inhabitants, in contrast to an imperialism extracting all it can find. We will join the crowds greeting Jesus with palms at our 11:00 AM Service.
On Maundy Thursday & Holy Friday, we will remember the Lord’s Supper and the gathering darkness leading to crucifixion. Outdoor Communion and Tennabrae Stations will be available on a “come and go” basis. The Lord’s Table reminds us that we are welcomed, a place has already been set for us whenever we may arrive at the table. It reminds us to always make room for others, and remember Christ is always among us. We pray the Tennabrae Stations will keep us mindful of the shadows of death present in our community and own lives as we remain isolated in sin, in need of God’s healing. There will be a worship leader present for communion on Thursday from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Easter morning we will celebrate the promise of eternal life for us and all of creation, here and now, always and everywhere as we discover the empty tomb, and encounter the risen Christ. Our invitation into new life will begin with a prayer watch at 6:45 AM leading into our Sunrise Service at 7:15. Our 11:00 Worship service will be followed by an Easter Egg hunt.
Join us throughout Holy Week as we remember, together, God’s continued call to faithfulness, Jesus’ offer of healing and the daily presence of Christ with us, even in our deepest brokenness. May we always seek to keep our face turned toward God, seeking healing and wholeness for one another, for ourselves, and for all God’s Creation.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Alan