Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord,

It is hard to believe but Easter is a mere two weeks away!  The long winter and the darkness of Lent are about to give way to the greening of spring and the light of resurrection.  Here in the Northern Hemisphere our Easter images are very centered on the signs of spring that flourish all around us at this time of year; we speak of greenness and new life and about life springing forth from the earth when we talk about resurrection.

Having just traveled to the Southern Hemisphere, I can’t help but be aware of the fact that for many in the world the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection comes when all about them is dying and decaying, that for them life really does spring forth amidst a valley of dry bones as we hear in Ezekiel.

As I prepare to enter the sacred space, the pilgrimage of Holy Week with you, I am reminded of the collect for the Sunday of the Passion of the Palms which reads: “Assists us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”    I invite you to contemplate the season of your heart as you approach Holy Week.  Are you coming from a place of spring with new buds ready to ripen or do you walk among a valley of dry bones?  I can assure you that no matter which path leads you to peer into the empty tomb, into Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, you will find there life abundant now—and immortal at journey’s end.

Our services for Holy Week begin with Maundy Thursday at 6:30 pm.  We start with our Agape Meal and footwashing in the parish hall followed by communion and the stripping of the altar.  The solemn liturgy of Good Friday is at 7:00 pm and on Saturday the Great Vigil of Easter, with the first proclamation of the resurrection at 8:00 pm.  Easter Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:00 am.  Please plan to attend, and while you are making plans to come, why not ask one of your friends to join you in celebrating this event we believe is so life changing?  Share the Good News!

Faithfully,

The Rev. Leslie M. St. Louis, Rector