Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Walnut Hill Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Greetings to all!

Thursday marks the beginning of the Triduum (Three Days) approaching
Easter.   Kathleen Norris recalls her experience of the Triduum while 
visiting a monastery, including her recollection of Maundy Thursday, the 
night of Jesus' Last Supper and arrest.

   The Triduum begins with the singing of the "Ubi Caritas" in the monastic
refectory; the words of the great medieval poem - "Where charity and love
are found, there is God" - set the tone for our meal and the liturgy that 
follows..."Love one another," the abbot reads from the Gospel of John.  At
this moment, at this table, it seems possible.
   After the feast, I stand with the rest of the choir in the chilly cloister walk.
As we'll lead the procession into church, we wait for the community to line
up behind us.  This is the night Jesus spends in the garden of Gethsemane,
praying by the vigil light of the stars.  Near midnight, the abbot will wrap up
the Eucharist...and carry it out of the church.
(from The Cloister Walk)

Maundy Thursday, April 21, 6pm, Simple Meal & Program - All ages are 
invited to join us for a simple meal in Trinity Hall as we gather to observe 
the beginning of the Triduum.  After our meal together, adults will gather in 
the Sanctuary for a sacred reading and singing of Jesus' passion, while 
children enjoy their own activities appropriate to the day.  The evening will
conclude by 7:30pm.  Please use reply email or call the church office 
(263-5304) to indicate your plans to attend.

The schedule for Sunday, April 24, the Resurrection of the Lord
*Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery -  We will gather in the 
Cemetery for an informal service of Morning Prayer.  In case of inclement
weather, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.
*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am, Sanctuary - We will gather
in the Sanctuary for traditional liturgy and sacrament celebrating the
Resurrection of the Lord.  Nursery care and Sunday School for children
will be available.
*After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall -  All are invited to gather for 
refreshments and fellowship as we share the good news of this special 
day.   Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

One Great Hour of Sharing - If you have been collecting the OGHS offering
at home during Lent, please bring your collection boxes to Walnut Hill on
Easter Sunday.  We will gather the offering and send it on its way to support
disaster relief and refugee resettlement around the world.

Sunday Conversations - Our 10am "Sunday Conversations" program will be
dismissed for Easter Day.  "Sunday Conversations" will resume on May 1.

Thanks to all who helped to make Palm Sunday a wonderful occasion at 
Walnut Hill including the Bishop's visit, Worship and Communion, the 
children's music presentation, the Easter Egg Hunt, a full Sunday School,
and a bountiful refreshment table.  There were too many folks involved to name
everyone, so we simply must say, "Thanks to all!"

A Blessed Easter to All.

Mike Ward

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