Wednesday, March 19, 2008

weekly letter

March 19, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Easter is less to be analyzed than witnessed, less explained than celebrated. Consider these reflections on the meaning of Easter.
 
     Anxiety and fear are what we know best in this fantastic century of ours.  Wars and rumors of wars.  From civilization itself to what seemed the most unalterable values of the past, everything seems threatened.....We have heard so much tragic news that when the news is good we cannot hear it.
     But the proclamation of Easter Day is that all is well.  And as a Christian, I say this not with the easy optimism of one who has never known a time when all was not well, but as one who has faced the Cross in all its obscenity as well as in all its glory, who has known one way or another what it is like to live separated from God.  In the end, his will, not ours, is done.  Love is the victor.  Death is not the end.  The end is life.  His life and our lives through him, in him.  Existence has greater depths of beauty, mystery, and benediction than the wildest visionary has ever dared to dream.  Christ our Lord has risen.
(Frederick Buechner as found in Listening to Your Life)
 

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

 

Thursday, March 20 – Maundy Thursday

All ages are invited to gather in Trinity Hall at 6pm for a simple meal and worship in the spirit of Jesus' "Last Supper".  Bring a salad, fruit, or cheese.  Nursery care will be available for infants.  Rsvp via reply email or call the church office (263-5304).

 

Friday, March 21 – Good Friday

Good Friday Worship, Noon, Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. Lunch is available after the service.

 

Stations of the Cross, Noon, Christ Church Cathedral.

Holy Friday Liturgy, 7pm, Christ Church Cathedral. 

 

Sunday, March 23 – Easter/The Resurrection of the Lord

Sunrise Service, 7am: We may be outside for at least part of this service, weather permitting (dress accordingly).  After the service, simple refreshments will be served in Trinity Hall.

 

Sunday Conversation will be dismissed for the day.

 

Worship (Holy Communion) and Sunday School, 11am:   The Children's Choir will present music they have been practicing during Lent.  The 2008 Confirmation Class will be received into church membership.   A reception in honor of the Confirmation Class will follow the service.  Members and friends are welcome to bring a simple item (just one per household) to add to the refreshment tables.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received.  Bring your home collection boxes.

 

Have a blessed Holy Week.

 

Mike Ward

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