HOLY WEEK, THE ELECTRIC CHAIR, AND THE EMPEROR OF ABYSSINIA

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HOLY WEEK, THE ELECTRIC CHAIR, AND THE EMPEROR OF ABYSSINIA France gave us the guillotine, but the electric chair is as American as th apple pie.

, in August, 1890, convicted murderer William Kemmler became the chair s very first victim (see drawing at right).

Many tried in vain immediately to flee the death chamber, only to find their exit blocked!

1 HOLY WEEK, THE ELECTRIC CHAIR, AND THE EMPEROR OF ABYSSINIA France gave us the guillotine, but the electric chair is as American as th apple pie. This year the latter method of execution will see its 127 birthday. At Auburn State Prison, N.Y., in August, 1890, convicted murderer William Kemmler became the chair s very first victim (see drawing at right). Erroneously pronounced dead while still breathing, he received a second, stronger jolt that provoked revulsion and nausea from eyewitnesses. Many tried in vain immediately to flee the death chamber, only to find their exit blocked! Today only Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia use electrocution as at least one method of execution. But nineteen states and Washington, D.C., like most western nations, have abolished the death penalty altogether. And, concerned, the governors of four more states have ordered a moratorium on its use. Tennessee now houses 69 inmates on Death Row, Riverbend Prison. Our state s penal authorities, despite freedom of information laws, refuse to let the public know what controversial drugs, or else degree of voltage, that they ll try when they eventually send the condemned into eternity. In 1890 the newly invented electric chair received worldwide attention. Emperor of Abyssinia Menelik II was delighted to learn of a new method to eliminate his political enemies. He ordered three such devices. But on their arrival he was crushed to discover them inoperable. Electric chairs need electricity--which Abyssinia didn t yet possess. Determined, however, to salvage something from his investment, the emperor turned one of them into his official throne! During Holy Week we recall another form of execution even slower, more painful. Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree, declared the sacred texts of the Jews (Galatians 3:13). It would have been as unthinkable to the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean world to wear a miniature cross as for you and me to sport a tiny electric chair or a bejeweled gurney or IV apparatus as a souvenir from Tennessee s execution chamber. Crucifixion was ghastly. Expressionist painter Max Beckmann, as a young German soldier traumatized by the brutal carnage of World War I s battlefields and trenches, gave us the horrific painting at left, Descent from the Cross (1917). Yet Easter reveals a precedent for Menelik s transformation of a death instrument into one of triumph. Christ s resurrection changed his Cross into a Throne! Liturgically we experience this truth most profoundly during Holy Week, beginning this year April 9, Passion/Palm Sunday. At our 10:45 a.m. service we celebrate Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem but also hear with feeling the dramatic reading of Matthew s narrative of the Passion. Maundy Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m., we mark the Last Supper as we ourselves host at the Holy Table our friends from Powell Presbyterian Church for the Sacrament. Afterwards, in the darkened sanctuary. we ll witness the moving Office of Tenebrae. And then depart in total silence, bearing candles into the night. Good Friday we join with nearby Norwood United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m., solemnly gathering around the cross in their sanctuary. And on glad Easter morning, April 16, at 7, we celebrate with other area congregations, sunrise worship at Victor Ashe Park s pavilion. Finally,, at 10:45 a.m. that day, in our beautifully adorned sanctuary, we ll rejoice in the greatest event in human history with procession, banners, triumphal hymns and anthems, prayer, and the Word. Christ s victory over the grave has forever turned the Cross into a symbol of eternal life, not death. And Easter shouts that his crucifixion and resurrection can change the worst of us even William Kemmler and Menelik II into God s own! --Dwyn M. Mounger, Interim Pastor

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS and with your love and encouragement these ruling elders, Class of 2019, chosen by God through the voice of the congregation: Alyx Chapman, Sandy Hodsen, and Judy Smith.

For weeks the youths of the congregation have been discussing on Sunday mornings the questions, answers, and Scripture citations of Belonging to God: A Study Catechism, of our Presbyterian Church (U.

In keeping with the tradition of the 16 th -century catechisms of Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin the Study Catechism follows the sequence of the Apostles Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the

Members of this class on basic Christian faith are Aaliyah Forester, Brendan Forester, Nathan Forester, Ethan Miller-Rogers, and Jayde Miller-Rogers, along with friends who sometimes come with them.

And each is encouraged that morning to present a personal creation of some kind: e.g., musical selection, drawing, painting, or short play.

In the meantime, remember your own congregational vows each time a child receives holy baptism, and give these youths your personal words of support and love!

2 REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS and with your love and encouragement these ruling elders, Class of 2019, chosen by God through the voice of the congregation: Alyx Chapman, Sandy Hodsen, and Judy Smith. Each having been previously ordained to holy office, they will be installed in solemn ceremony on Sunday, April 2. For weeks the youths of the congregation have been discussing on Sunday mornings the questions, answers, and Scripture citations of Belonging to God: A Study Catechism, of our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Class teacher has been the Rev. Bill Westmoreland, with additional input by Dr. Mounger. In keeping with the tradition of the 16 th -century catechisms of Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin the Study Catechism follows the sequence of the Apostles Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord s Prayer. But the wording is in modern American English. Members of this class on basic Christian faith are Aaliyah Forester, Brendan Forester, Nathan Forester, Ethan Miller-Rogers, and Jayde Miller-Rogers, along with friends who sometimes come with them. In 10:45 a.m. worship on Pentecost, Sunday, June 4, these young people will display for the congregation the coloring sheets on Christ s Stations of the Cross that they have been working on. And each is encouraged that morning to present a personal creation of some kind: e.g., musical selection, drawing, painting, or short play. In addition, some of them may feel led to make public profession of faith that day and be confirmed. In the meantime, remember your own congregational vows each time a child receives holy baptism, and give these youths your personal words of support and love! Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about. --N.T. Wright, former Anglican Bishop of Durham and present professor, St. Mary s College, St. Andrews University, a theological seminary of our sister Church of Scotland. YOU ARE NEEDED Saturday, April 1, for our Church Spring-Cleaning, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Lunch served. Join members and friends of New Hope to help get our buildings and grounds sparkling for Holy Week and Eastertide! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for FISH ministry to the local hungry: to fill bags of food, to deliver them to the needy, and especially to help Judy Smith pick up and transport grocery items to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where our local branch of FISH is based. See or phone her at (865) or (865) (cell). FOR A MORE BLESSED EASTER walk with Christ and us on his path to his Cross, Burial and Resurrection: Passion/Palm Sunday, April 9, 10:45 a.m.- Palm Procession, dramatic reading of Matthew Passion narrative. Luncheon and egg hunt on church lawn follow. Maundy Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m.- Holy Communion with Powell at New Hope, solemn Tenebrae. Good Friday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.- Joint service, New Hope and Norwood United Methodist there. Easter Day, April 16, 7 a.m.- Ecumenical Sunrise Service, Victor Ashe Park; 10:45 a.m.- Festival Worship, New Hope sanctuary. Bring your friends to each one!

A world-famous musician and son of New Hope congregation will return to Knoxville April 6 to conduct a special Lenten concert. Dr.

Mickey Brown, who was our organist then, immediately recognized not only his fascination with everything musical but his keen vocal and even directional talents.

At the College-Conservatory of Music of Cincinnati University he received his master s and doctorate in choral conducting.

Founded in 1926 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dayton, Ohio, the college coined the now ubiquitous title Minister of Music for its graduates.

Theological Seminary. In addition to directing two of the most famous vocal ensembles in North America, the Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, Dr.

3 A world-famous musician and son of New Hope congregation will return to Knoxville April 6 to conduct a special Lenten concert. Dr. Joe Miller, who as a small boy joined our congregation s adult choir, at first had to stand on a wooden, Coca-Cola box (or two or Dr. Joe Miller three), to see over the rail! Mickey Brown, who was our organist then, immediately recognized not only his fascination with everything musical but his keen vocal and even directional talents. She introduced him to leading teachers in Knoxville, including those at U.T. A graduate of Central High School, Joe earned his degree in music education and voice from U.T. Singing in the choir at Knoxville s downtown Church Street United Methodist Church helped to cover his expenses. At the College-Conservatory of Music of Cincinnati University he received his master s and doctorate in choral conducting. Now he is Director of Choral Activities and a professor at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J. Founded in 1926 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dayton, Ohio, the college coined the now ubiquitous title Minister of Music for its graduates. After the college moved to Princeton in 1932, its students and faculty have worked very closely with two other local institutions founded by Presbyterians, Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary. In addition to directing two of the most famous vocal ensembles in North America, the Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, Dr. Miller is artistic director for choral activities at the renowned Spoleto Festival, U.S.A., based in Charleston, S.C. Under his leadership Westminster choirs have made many recordings and have sung with leading orchestras in Europe and North and South America. Joe s early nurture in Christian faith at New Hope continue to make him cherish music as a gift from God. He is a son of D.M. and Vi Miller and the brother of Libby. On April 6 at Church St. United Methodist Church, 900 Henley St., Joe will conduct the Parish Adult Choir and the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra in a free, 7:30 p.m. concert. They will perform Requiem by Maurice Duruflé. Let s all show up that evening for Joe! CANTATA TO BE A PART OF OUR EASTERTIDE WORSHIP Sunday, April 30, in our 10:45 a.m. service of worship, our choir, conducted by Sarah Davis and accompanied by Debbie Moore, organist, will lead us in continued celebration of Christ s resurrection. They will present Risen Indeed! An Easter Cantata for Choir and Worship Leader. Narrators will be two members of the New Hope Church family who have proven to be excellent readers: Bob Coffield and Lucille Sweet. BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND RELA- TIVES that Sunday, and

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Hospitality/ Fellowship/ Church Life Sandy Hodsen New Hope Presbyterian Church Dwyn M. Mounger, M.Div., Ph.D., Interim Pastor (865) 249-7731, cell: (904) 315-9312 dwynmounger@gmail.

5 SESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Moderator Dr. Dwyn Mounger Clerk of Session Cathy Forester Buildings & Grounds Connie Carter Christian Education Debbie Coffield Congregational Care Lucille Sweet Evangelism/ Outreach/ Missions Judy Smith Hospitality/ Fellowship/ Church Life Sandy Hodsen New Hope Presbyterian Church Dwyn M. Mounger, M.Div., Ph.D., Interim Pastor (865) , cell: (904) Sarah Davis, Choir and Music Director Debbie Moore, Organist Jennifer Lane, Administrative Secretary/Treasurer Missy Smith, Custodian/Sexton THE SESSION (Governing Elders): Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 James Burkins Connie Carter Alyx Chapman Pamela Burkins Cathy Forester (Clerk) Sandy Hodsen Deborah Coffield Lucille Sweet Judy Smith Music & Worship Jim Burkins Publicity/ Communication/ Web Wizard & Facebook Alyx Chapman

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