Pastor's Weekly Word

Jesus said, "The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again." (Mark 10:33-34)

For Christians, this is a week to remember. It is the culmination of all that we have shared about Jesus since the beginning of Advent. All of his predictions and statements about what is in store for him came to pass in this one holy week, set apart from all the others. The warm welcome of the crowds waving their palm branches will turn cold. Those who listened to his great stories will turn away. Even his most devoted and trusted followers will turn him down. This week is filled with desertion from every angle one can think up. It is, for Christians, a week to remember, for we are part of the crowd who killed him.

As we walk through this week, make every effort to participate in each piece of it. On Thursday, be part of our Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 pm. It is easily one of the most powerful and unique worship experiences of the year. Then take time on Good Friday for self-reflection in the Sanctuary on the crucified Christ. Finally, be part of the excitement of the All Church Easter Egg Hunt as we extend hospitality to our refugee neighbors, and bring the gift of Christ to them.

I have always believed that Easter morning cannot be fully appreciated without experiencing the week that leads up to it. I do hope you find the time to be part of it. As this week to remember unfolds, may you be surprised yet again by the depth of God's love for us in Jesus Christ. May Lent end in sorrow as Easter fills us with new life!