Jody's Journal

March 29, 2007

Dear Family and Friends of the Kirk,

This Sunday begins our journey through Holy Week. This is the week that tells us the story of the last week of Jesus’ life and gave birth to Christian faith and discipleship.

Holy Week, as we call it, begins with high hopes and hosannas, moves through the valley of the shadow of despair and confusion, and seems to end on Friday as Jesus dies on the cross. This is a story of humanity at its worst. We seem to have a way of killing those who are sent by God to share messages of peace and love. But if this week reveals humanity at its worst, it also reveals God at God’s best. The story tells us of a God so in love with the world that God's own son would sacrifice his life for us. It also tells the story of a God who will not let death and despair have the last word. God raised Jesus from the dead as the most important reminder of God’s loving determination not to let death, and despair defeat us. This gift of resurrection has been the source of hope for Christians throughout the centuries. In addition to the hope of eternal life, we also receive the gift of hope in this life. There is nothing so awful that God cannot redeem it for good; nothing so hopeless that God cannot raise new hope in us. For that we can only offer God our praise.

We hope the services we are offering this week at the Kirk will enable you to experience the presence of Christ in a powerful way. Palm and Passion Sunday will be a service that helps you hear the whole story leading to Jesus' death. Maundy Thursday we will remember the last night Jesus spent with his disciples as we share communion with our Lord. On Good Friday the sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation during the day. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a brief Good Friday service in the Session room. On Easter morning, bright and early, we will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with the 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service and breakfast. We will also have Easter Service at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

I know the rest of the staff join me in wishing you a blessed Holy Week and a very happy Easter.

Grace and Peace,

Jody