Candice's Comments

We are halfway through Lent and moving toward Holy Week. Before our journey takes us to Easter and Resurrection Sunday, we must journey with Jesus through the trails and

challenges of Holy Week.

We will begin Holy Week by gathering in the narthex on Palm/Passion Sunday, April 9,  to hear Matthew’s version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before we enter the sanctuary, waving palm branches and singing hosannas to the one who comes in the name of the Lord. During worship we will hear the complete Passion Narrative, as recorded in Matthew’s gospel, as a variety of voices bring the story to life for us.

On Maundy Thursday, April 13, we will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a light meal (food provided) and Communion Service as we remember and observe the last earthly meal Jesus shared with his disciples in an upper room. It is a time of close community for Jesus and his followers. Jesus introduces powerful new symbolism into the meal with the sharing of the bread and the cup.

According to John’s gospel, Maundy Thursday also includes Jesus’ washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus acts as a servant to his followers, expressing gratitude and witness. Jesus voices a new commandment in John13:34-35:

Love each other. Just as I have loved you,

so you also must love each other.

This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples,

when you love each other.

Good Friday (or God’s Friday) on April 14 invites us to do individual (or family) readings in our own homes, workplaces, or wherever we are at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. We will not be together physically in one place but our hearts will be joined as one as we read the

Good Friday scriptures.

Mark’s gospel tells us that Jesus was crucified at 9:00 a.m. (the third hour in Jewish time.)

At 9:00 a.m., you are invited to pause and read John 18:28 – 19:16a.

At 3:00 p.m., you are invited to pause and read John 19:16-42, the ninth hour when Jesus is thought to have breathed his last.

We journey with Jesus through the passion of Holy Week and receive the resurrection which comes on Easter Sunday, April 16.

Blessings on the Journey,

Pastor Candice