Dear Church Family,
Again we enter the special week that leads us to Easter morning and the new life beyond. As you can see below, there are so many ways to be in conversation with the Holy this week. As I mentioned you on Sunday morning, the days from Palm Sunday (yesterday) until Easter are like a single worship service, leading us through the valley of the shadow of death in the Jesus story, and inviting all of us to deeper reflection on the nature of our own call to discipleship.
This year I invite you to partake deeply in the Holy Conversations God may be calling you into. Take a risk, step from your zone, listen beyond the wall. On Thursday we will remember the first communion service in the upper room and simply, powerfully hear the story of Jesus last days. On Good Friday, let me ask your help as we minister in Jesus’ way to those on the fringes of OUR society: the Berea Ministerial Association will offer a noon service commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus, but will follow that with foot washing and foot care to any person experiencing homelessness or poverty. And on Saturday, we take the practical, loving actions of preparing for Easter guests in the Easter morning service.
All of these are individually potent services of inquiry and prayer. Taken together, they are a labyrinth journey that reflects our relationships to each other and to God. It is a reminder that “new life” is not a single moment, and rebuilding from trauma or despair—the holy work of God throughout history—is similarly a mighty process.
May God’s mighty work be in you and with you this week. May you spend and be spent in the service of such healing, for yourself and for others. May love light your path though night come, and may your devotions, your holy conversations, lead you and all to the resurrections needed to fulfill God’s vision.
Blessings and tribulations abound. Disregard neither.
In the shadow of the cross,
Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:30 pm service in the sanctuary. “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.” On this night when Jesus met with his disciples for his last supper, he gave them a new commandment, “that you love one another.” During this special service we will share communion and recount the story of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, and darken the sanctuary, as we retell the story of his crucifixion.
Our service will begin with hand and foot washing at 7:00 pm (for those who wish).
Good Friday, April 19 12:15 pm This service is offered by the Berea Ministerial Association. Gather in the Union Church sanctuary. This midday worship service recounts Jesus’ last hours.
Saturday, April 20, 9 am – noon. Help spruce up and clean up in the sanctuary and around the building and grounds. Plenty of coffee provided!
Easter Sunday, April 21, 6:45 am. Sunrise Service, White’s Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Ministerial Association hosts this all-church celebration of Easter Morning as the sun rises. Let’s share worship, song, and prayer with all our neighbors. Light refreshments served afterwards.
10:00 am Easter Activities for kids, beginning in Cowan Chapel and moving on to the Easter Egg Hunt!
10:30 am Celebration of the Resurrection! Join to recall the joy and hope of that first Easter Morning, and to renew yourself by recalling that God’s love is not reserved in that long-ago time. This is a lovely time to invite guests, new neighbors, and any who’ve ever wondered what Union Church is about!
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