April 2, 2026

Thank you to all who assisted with the reading of the Passion Narrative last Sunday. There was something profound about hearing voices speaking throughout the sanctuary. It was a holy time of recounting Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Following worship, we gathered in the Fireside Room for a delicious potluck. Thank you to everyone who provided nourishing food and helped with the set up and clean up. This is evidence of how together we can have lovely experiences.

We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song. It may seem blasphemous to read these words on Maundy Thursday. Yet, even as we prepare to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we remember how Jesus is with us. He has gone before us and has prepared a place for us. On Palm Sunday, we heard the Passion Narrative, to remind ourselves of what will take place these next few days. Now, we begin enacting Jesus last days in anticipation of his resurrection.

We recall how death does not have the last word, as shared by Bishop Curry in his Easter message (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpw7B04qrgY). We walk through these three days to recall the narrative of betrayal, humble service, ultimate sacrifice, longing for news, anticipation of a promise fulfilled and, in the end, a sending forth to go where Jesus will meet us.

He always meets us where we are and invites us into a deeper relationship. On Maundy Thursday, Jesus will wash the feet of his best friends and dine with them. Out of his faithful humble service, he gives them and us a new commandment to love and to assist others. We will watch the altar being stripped, the physical objects reverently being wrenched away, leaving the altar exposed and raw.

On Friday, we recall his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Our worship service will be quiet as we meditatively sing the longing for Jesus to remember us, recalling how nothing can trouble those who put their trust in God and asking God to hear our prayer. There will be candles to light as we contemplate Jesus’ life, love, and death. Folks are invited to bring the cross you received on Sunday and place it in the sandbox with the candles. We remember as darkness descends that radiance of God’s love remains even in our sorrow.

On Saturday, the in-between time, we will do two things. First, in the morning we will decorate the church in anticipation of Sunday. This physical act of love reverses our actions on the night Jesus was betrayed. It helps us re-assemble the visual reminder that we are Easter people. In the evening, we will gather outside for an Easter Vigil for Peace. I imagine it being 30-45 minutes long. We will sing songs, hear stories, and hold ten minutes of silence with candles lit.

I continue to hold the ten-minute candle practice each night at 7:00 p.m. for all the hard things that are happening in our world. This week, I invite you to join me after worship on Thursday and Friday to stand in solidarity near the mailbox for ten minutes. I recognize this act of solidarity is not for everyone and after a full day and evening worship, ten more minutes may seem too much and the invitation remains.

On Easter Sunday, in the shadow of the cross, we will rejoice and sing Alleluia. We will recall how death does not have the final word. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Easter is that it arrives regardless of our preparation or receptivity. Lent was our invitation to prepare, to lean into the teaching of Jesus and now in the season of Easter, we are invited to apply what we have learned, to live out God’s redeeming love, mercy, and everlasting life.