April brings us to the highpoint of the church year – the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. The 40 days of Lent that we have been observing are meant to prepare us, historically and spiritually, for the feast of the Resurrection. Yet this message of new life in Christ is so central to our faith that even during Lent we break-fast on Sundays to partake in this feast.
You are invited to walk with Jesus in this journey, and to participate in unique worship events that have been developed over centuries by followers of Jesus. Holy Week is best seen as one continuous worship experience. It begins on Palm Sunday (9:30 am service), where we welcome Jesus into Jerusalem and into our city, and we will listen to a dramatic reading of Christ’s Passion story to prepare us for the week. That brings us to what is referred to in the church as “The Three Days”. Maundy Thursday (7 pm service) celebrates the new commandment Jesus gives us – “to love one another” – and invites us to participate with Jesus and his disciples in the Passover meal, which has become for us the central Eucharistic meal of our worship each Sunday; and this service includes the ceremonial foot washing. Good Friday (7 pm service) remembers Christ’s crucifixion. Our gathering will be a visual service of the “Stations of the Cross”, with readings and music by many of St. Peter’s members and art work by members of First Lutheran Church. “On the third day” we will join in a joyous celebration of the Resurrection with an Easter Sunrise Service “by the Sea” at 7 am, and a festive service in the church at 9:30 am. Our Bishop, David Nagler, who is also a member at St. Peter’s, will bring us the Gospel message that day.
April also brings us Earth Day (April 22) – a reminder that the Good News of Jesus Christ is also for all creation. Our service on Sunday, April 23, will include a focus on the gift of creation which God gives us and our call to care for that creation.
Pastor Bill