A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR

 

The Lenten season is upon us.  The season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th.  This day sets the tone for what follows, a time of reflection and confession.  We purposefully recognize the glory and righteousness of God and our lack of those
qualities.  Especially during this time, we dwell upon God’s bridging the gap to us. 

 

The theme for the mid-week services will be the “places of the passion”.  We will begin in the Upper Room with Jesus and the disciples as they share the Passover meal.  This will take on new significance as Jesus shifts the emphasis from a meal of
remembrance to sharing the gift of his presence. 

 

We will travel to Gethsemane for prayer and preparation.  Jesus looks to God for strength for all that is about to happen.  The disciples fall asleep.  They are contrite when awakened and are caught off guard when an arresting force comes for Jesus.

 

Judas approaches Jesus and kisses him in greeting.  This is the sign of who to arrest.  This takes place at the darkest hour when shadows dance across the faces of those gathered.  Jesus is at peace with these events, though his disciples struggle.

 

Jesus is on trial.  First with the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders. They give Jesus to Pilate, who sends him to King Herod.  Jesus is returned to Pilate for judgement.  Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, frees Barabbas and orders the flogging and crucifixion of Jesus.

 

Jesus finally heads to Golgotha, the place of the skull.  The place of death.  To get there, he carries his cross through the streets of Jerusalem until he falters.  A witness to this parade is then burdened to finish the trek. 

 

Then, we will find ourselves deep into Holy Week, touched by God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. 

 

I am privileged to travel to these locations with you.

 

Pastor John