There isn?t a busier time in the year for the church than this particular week. As announced in church on Sunday, folks have the opportunity to worship somewhere every day this week. The days of Holy Week are filled with worship, study, reflection, and prayer. These days are usually cast in the shadow of Easter ? meaning that we usually speak of them as days of preparation for our Easter celebration. There is truth in that notion. However, there is also the danger of lessening the effect of each individual day, as though on its own, it is not important. That notion is not true. Each day serves as an important part of the story of the events that lead up to Jesus? crucifixion and resurrection. But, each day also stands on its own as significant to the life and ministry of Jesus.

It?s important for us to plunge into the events of this week and know them as they are presented to us in the biblical texts ? know how they stack together to form the story of Jesus? last days and hours ? but also know how they speak individually of God?s love shown to the world in Jesus. Holy Week is a chance for us to deepen our commitment to knowing the story of God?s relationship with the human family. Holy Week is a chance for us to spend daily, dedicated time in the four critical areas we listed earlier: Worship, study, reflection, and prayer.

You are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities you have this week. Attend every service of worship you can. Spend time each day reading the Holy Week texts printed in the newsletter. Reflect each day on what those texts mean and try to do that without hurrying ahead to the end of the story. Pray about and study each text and see if there is something wonderful ? even remarkable ? that God?s Spirit brings to you.

You are encouraged to do this because when each text and each piece of the story is celebrated individually, the sum of the parts is made even greater. The celebration of Easter is made more real when we truthfully, honestly realize that Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus did endure a lot in order to complete the obedience God demanded from him. Maybe what we will find is the inspiration to be more diligent in our call to obedience. Maybe what we will find is the power of God at work in and through all things in order to bring about salvation and hope.

Have a blessed Holy Week and a wonderful Easter!!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mark