HOLY WEEK & EASTER EPISTLE 2018

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1 HOLY WEEK & EASTER EPISTLE 2018 HOLY WEEK, COMPLETING THE JOURNEY. This Lent we have focused on our Journey of Faith. This journey has included fasting, praying, giving and worshipping. The last leg of the journey is now upon us: Holy Week. During this week we are invited to journey with Christ through his suffering, death and resurrection. We begin on Palm Sunday (March 25, 8 and 10:45 AM) celebrating Jesus entry into Jerusalem. We will have a procession of Palm branches and shout, Hosanna, just like the people in Jerusalem did 2,000 years ago to welcome Jesus as their King. This year, two things will be different about Palm Sunday than in recent past: Pastor Rob will preach on Jesus entry journey into Jerusalem instead of reading the passion narrative. At the 10:45 service we will have a longer procession that will begin at the corner of Orange St and Walnut St. (8 AM procession will begin as usual in the narthex). We will again gather on Maundy Thursday (March 29, 11 AM; 7 PM). This day we recall the Last Supper, betrayal and arrest of Jesus. In spite of all tragedy, Jesus still offers the disciples a new mandate (hence the word Maundy), that they celebrate this meal of wine and bread, in remembrance of him. We obey Jesus commandment and celebrate Communion this night. The service begins with a longer confession, after which we receive individual absolution. Finally, we remember his betrayal by stripping the altar, visually reminding us of the suffering to come. New this year, the sanctuary will be open all day (8am-8pm) on Maundy Thursday for prayer and meditation.

2 Completing the Journey (continued) On Good Friday we remember the trial, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. The community service, featuring music ensembles will be at St. Paul this year (March 30, 12:15 PM). This is the darkest day of the Christian year, yet we call it good because we know that on this day, Jesus did what none of us could do, namely, bear the sins and suffering of the world. We conclude the day with a Tenebrae service (7 PM). During a Tenebrae service, the sanctuary grows darker as we continue with the readings, moving closer and closer to Jesus death, where he cries It is complete. Finally we arrive at Easter Morning, ready to sing Alleluia! We arrive at the empty tomb and hear the amazing news that death has lost its sting! God has such a passion for us that Jesus came back from the dead so that we could be reunited with him and all the saints forever. On Easter (April 1), we will have two services, at 8 AM and 10:45 AM. I place of Sunday School classes for children, we will have a family Sunday School session in the Social Hall with a movie, craft & snack led by Deacon Emily. ~ May Christ dwell richly in your hearts this Holy Week. ~ Pastor Rob Traditions.Old & New This past year we had a beautiful Christmas tree in our narthex. The children were able to hang ornaments on it that told the story of Jesus birth. The tree became a messenger of Christmas, proclaiming the good news of Jesus birth. What if this Christmas tree could tell us the story, not only of Jesus birth, but also Jesus death? What if a Christmas tree could become a Good Friday cross? The wood of the manger becomes the wood of the cross ~ Attributed to Martin Luther

3 Traditions.Old & New (continued) This year we saved the wood from our narthex Christmas tree and made it into a cross. It is a reminder that just as wood embraced the Christ-child in the wooden manger at Christmas, wood also serves as the place where Christ embraces the world on Good Friday. Taking on our sin and shame, Christ dies for us on two lonely pieces of wood. Having a Christmas tree-become-cross on Good Friday can also help us understand Christmas in a new light, seeing the cross in the manger scene. What if this Christmas tree could tell us the story, not only of Jesus birth and death, but also his resurrection? That is where you come in! At Pastor Rob and Deacon Emily s former congregation, they had a tradition which we would like to bring here of taking a wooden cross and adorning it with flowers. The picture below shows what it looked like. On Easter morning we invite you to bring a cut flower from your home and place it in the tree cross (which will have mesh around it). The flowers which look like they are growing out of the dead tree remind us that even out of death, God makes life. The Christmas tree will become an Easter tree, proclaiming Jesus resurrection!

4 Youth Breakfast: The youth are invited to breakfast during Holy Week, March at 7 am in the Social Hall. Students will leave at 7:35 to walk to school. Eggstravaganza: Sat. March 24, 8:00am-10:00am Pancake & Egg Breakfast with a visit from the Easter Bunny (bring your camera!). Donations benefit the CELC summer programs for the community (suggested $5 donation). 10am Holy Week EGG Hunt! (toddler - 4th grade) are welcome to "hunt" for eggs outside. Meet at the pavilion. Free fun & bible-based prizes, rain or shine. 5th graders take their faith stepstone on Palm Sunday by leading the Apostles Creed in worship and through an Art Display. There will also be treats in their honor! Easter Sunday Prelude will begin 15 min prior to worship. Come early and enjoy the beautiful music as you prepare for worship. Hallelujah Chorus! All are welcome to join the choir in the loft to sing after the final hymn at both Easter worship services. We hope to see the loft overflowing!

5 Music & Fellowship Are the Talk of The Town! Our first Beer & Hymns event was held in February to an enthusiastic crowd! The night included fun, fellowship & a conga line or two. Due to popular demand, this event will be back again in October! Jane Brye introducing the wondrous sounds of the harp to St. Paul children during the Trio Concert held in March.

6 Children & Youth From our 4th graders completion of Acolyte training, Scout Sundays & Youth Lenten Retreats, there are so many activities happening at St. Paul we cannot fit it all in this condensed issue of the Epistle. We are excited about the vibrancy of these ministries! Check out our Facebook page for more pics!

7 Upcoming Spring Congregational Events Worship Volunteer Focus for April & May will be on the Ushers of St. Paul. Stay tuned for more information on becoming part of an ushering team. Endowment Sunday: April 29 the endowment committee will be hosting a coffee hour between worship services to provide information on the Endowment Fund. In addition, fund recipients will share how gifts supported their missions. Afternoon of Music: April 29 at 4 pm, the St. Paul musical ensembles will be performing a concert to benefit the Youth Gathering this summer. St. Paul Annual Meeting will take place after each service on Sunday May 6, 2018.

8 St. Paul Lutheran 200 West Orange St. Lititz, PA