Greetings to all!
We are in the midst of Holy Week, traveling from Palm Sunday to Easter
Sunday. We are sometimes inclined to skip immediately from one Sunday
to the next, but during this week, let us not overlook the days in between.
For one whole week, we relive in present time a devastating sequence
of events that took place in a minor city of the Roman Empire twenty
centuries ago. We enter the story through dramatic liturgies that trace
their roots to the 4th century, when they were developed for the throngs
of pilgrims who celebrated Pascha* at the holy places. As if we were in
Jerusalem ourselves, we wave palms and shout Hosanna! on the day that
is both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. The shouts soon ring hollow,
however, for we know that by week's end the crowd will abandon the one
we now acclaim. On Thursday, he will host us at a table of love and
forgiveness, even though he knows it too.
With this meal, we enter the heart of the paschal mystery for the three days
known as Triduum. After Thursday's arrest come Friday's crucifixion,
Saturday's silence, and Sunday's glory. At last, Christ is risen, and so are
we. Our words are in the present tense, and this Easter and the first one are
each of them, and both together, the first day of a new creation.
(from Receiving the Day, by Dorothy C. Bass)
*Pascha - variously used in reference to Passover and/or Easter.
Maundy Thursday - All ages are invited to gather at Walnut Hill on Thursday,
April 5, 6pm, for a simple meal and fellowship. Soup and beverage will be
provided. Please bring a bread, fruit, or cheese. After the meal, adults will
gather for a service of Evening Prayer while the children share activities
related to Holy Week. RSVP via reply email or by phone to the church office
(263-5304).
The scripture lessons for Sunday, April 8, Easter Sunday:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18
Easter Sunday Schedule:
*Easter Sunrise Service, 7am - We will gather in the Walnut Hill
Cemetery for a service of Morning Prayer in witness to the Resurrection of
the Lord. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the
Sanctuary.
*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am - Join us for liturgy,
music, and sacrament as we celebrate the Risen Christ. Nursery care and
Sunday School will be available for children.
*After Worship Gathering - All are invited to gather for refreshments and
fellowship. Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.
*Easter Egg Hunt - Due to rain last Sunday, the annual Easter Egg Hunt
will be held after worship on Easter Sunday. Children through 3rd Grade are
invited to hunt for eggs scattered around the church grounds. Please bring
1 dozen stuffed eggs per "hunter" in your household as well as a basket for
your child to use during the hunt.
*Please note that Sunday Conversations and Children's Choir are
dismissed for Easter Sunday.
One Great Hour of Sharing - The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be
received on Easter Sunday. Households using OGHS home collection boxes
are asked to return them to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday. Special offering
baskets will also be available in the foyer of the Sanctuary to receive cash and
checks payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "OGHS"). OGHS is an
ecumenical offering supporting disaster relief and refugee resettlement around
the world.
Mark Your Calendar - The Annual Spring Potluck will be held on Sunday,
April 29, immediately after morning worship. More details to follow.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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