Greetings to all!
Holy Week is approaching, the final week of our Lenten journey toward Easter.
This last, holy, week of Lent is a long journey of its own. Come and journey with
us at Walnut Hill!
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 fourth 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 into the heart of the paschal mystery for the three days
known as the 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)
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
*Sun, Mar 29 - Palm Sunday
-Sunday Conversations, 10am
-Children's Choir, 10am
-Morning Worship, 11am (children's presentation, procession of the palms)
-Nursery Care and Sunday School for children, 11am
-Easter Egg Hunt, Noon (bring a dozen treat-filled eggs for the hunt)
*Thu, Apr 2 - Maundy Thursday
-Simple Meal, 6:30pm (bring a simple item to share for the meal)
-Evening Prayer, 7 pm (activities for children)
*Sun, Apr 5 - Easter Sunday
-Easter Sunrise Service, 7am (dress for the outdoors)
-Sunday Conversations, 10am
-Morning Worship & Holy Communiion, 11am
-Nursery Care and Sunday School for children, 11am
-After worship refreshments, Noon (bring a plate of cookies to share)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday...
Isaiah 50:4-9
Philippians 2:5-11
John 12:12-19
Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music
and singing this Sunday, Mar 29, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they prepare for their Palm
Sunday music presentation.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Mar 29, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our
conversation topic this Sunday will be "Holy Week," as we explore what we know,
and what we don't know, about this climactic chapter of the Jesus story.
EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY - 2015 is coming, beginning April 5. This spring's
theme, Experiencing the Risen Christ, uses the New Testament resurrection
narratives as the starting point for our reflection. Small group registration is
ongoing now for groups to meet on Sunday evening, Tuesday evening, and a
weekday morning to be determined. Use reply email for more information and/or
to register for a small group.
Easter Lilies: As is our custom at Walnut Hill, the Sanctuary will be decorated with
lilies on Easter morning. You can sponsor a lily for $20/plant. Sponsorships may
be memorial/honorary. Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated
"lily," and, if applicable, indicate the person being honored or memorialized.
Vanuatu Relief - Walnut Hill is sending a $300 donation from the Community Fund
to aid in relief efforts on behalf of the island nation of Vanuatu, which was recently
devastated by Cyclone Pam. Walnut Hill's donation is being sent via our
ecumenical partner Church World Service. Visit the link, Vanuatu, for more
information.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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