Dear Grace Community,
I look forward to Holy Week and Easter. Holy Week begins on Sunday, April 14, with Palm Sunday worship. On this day we hope to capture the excitement of Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and to foreshadow what is to come.
Each year on Maundy Thursday we worship in different styles. Last year we worshiped around meals in homes. In 2017 we experienced a drama of the Last Supper. This year, April 18, we worship at Grace in the sanctuary with a Tenebrae service at 7 pm.
During the Tenebrae service the sanctuary gradually gets darker as we hear the stories leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. We end the night in silence as we strip the worship elements from the chancel of the sanctuary. The visual experience always moves me.
Our Good Friday service is simple but powerful. We sing and read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. For a couple of years early in my pastorate here we included a short sermon in this service. Then one year we didn’t, and it was so moving to let the story stand on its own with no interpretation that we’ve continued this. The service is at noon and lasts about 30 minutes.
Then we wait.
And on the first day of the week, Sunday, April 21, we gather to celebrate the good news. We celebrate with worship at 9 and 11 am. In the sanctuary the dark curtains that cover the windows during Lent fall, and the light comes in. At both services we celebrate with joyful brass accompaniment. All are invited to witness to the resurrection by adding flowers to the cross on the lawn.
It’s not even close; Easter is my favorite day of the year.
These are days best experienced in community. I hope you’ll join us.
In Christ,
Catherine
APR