By the time you receive this the stage will be set for Holy Week. The next time we gather for worship we will be caught up in the crowds triumphal celebration as Jesus enters Jerusalem to observe Passover. We will also be caught up in the circumstances which take Jesus from the Last Supper in the Upper room to the Garden of Gethsemanee, on to Caiphas’ palace, next to Pilate’s Seat of Judgement, and eventually to his cross, death and burial.

Over the years I have observed a phenomenon which puzzles me and gives me pause for concern. Over the years I find fewer and fewer people making that walk with our Lord. Oh, Palm Sunday may be a day fairly well attended (I suppose most people still like a parade), but always several people speak disapprovingly of hearing the full story of that day — the one which includes Jesus’ Passion (his condemnation, crucifixion and death for us and our sins).

For sure, Easter certainly has its draw, but, on the whole we seem to be increasingly unwilling to gather with Jesus in the Upper Room. Moreover, we show by our lack of participation that we are unwilling to gather in the public arena before Pilate and Jesus. We are unwilling to hear Pilate’s words, "What is truth?" And, sadly, we are unwilling to hear Jesus tell him simply what Truth is.

I understand the discomfort which comes with our participation in these events. I know that were I a part of the major religious community of that day, just as I am of the one today, I would be shouting, "Crucify him, crucify him." But, my attendance at these services confronts me with the truth that my daily deeds, actions and thoughts (and also my lack of deeds, actions, and thoughtfulness) shout "crucify him, crucify him" more loudly than any voice I can muster, regardless of time and space — a truth which applies to us all.

Only, I believe, by our participation in these events, and only by acknowledging and accepting our thoughts, deeds, actions and in-actions can we acknowledge and accept that Jesus was willing to, and did, die for us and for our sins. If we disavow our place in what happened (happens) from the Parade to the Tomb, then we disavow that which Jesus accomplishes for us: the forgiveness of our sins and the salvation of our souls.

The invitation is not to a bunch of services. The invitation is to be with Jesus.

 

Faithfully,

Scott+

Get out your shorts and your Peterkin T-shirts, we are planning a Peterkin Sunday for April 18. I have already had several excited people volunteer to help. We are going to include music from the camp and the Rev’d Frank Coe, Peterkin's Executive Director, will be here to speak. I will work with the kids during part of our morning time together between now and then. I have been asked by some of the kids if we could do "Peterkin Peace" so that we get the whole effect of what services are like at Peterkin. I hope that we can. However, be prepared to let your guard down- we like to HUG!! I welcome input from all Peterkin campers, past, present, and future. It is certain to be a good time.

Outreach Items of the Month

Please place in basket at the back of the church

"Lunch, anyone?"

Anyone interested in giving Easter flower Memorials or Thanksgivings please contact Linda Brantner at 863-5833, or send your check and notation wanted to her at Rt 2 Box 221, Washington, WV 26181. Deadline to be included in the Easter bulletins is March 29.

Holy Baptism

Anyone interested in Baptism (for themselves or their child) should contact Fr. Hunter immediately. The next time of Baptism is the Great Vigil of Easter, Sat. April 3rd. 422-3362