Holy Week
The word "holy" originally meant "set apart." A cup, for example, was made holy by setting it apart for religious purposes. The Sabbath was made holy by setting it apart for rest and worship. I want to encourage you to "set aside" next week. It will be holy IF you make it holy. Amid the distractions of daily life, let’s set aside time to pray for the ability to see, hear, taste, feel, and smell the reality of the passion of Christ.
Palm Sunday: We begin by setting aside this day to reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We remember the triumphal entry, the adoring crowds, and the fickle folk who quickly switched allegiances when they sensed Jesus was not the man they had hoped for. In worship we will have kids with palms, adults with readings, a choir with specials… all in an effort to set aside our minds and hearts in reflection and worship. We will return that evening for our final Lenten Vespers (6:00), in which we will encounter images of Christ during the passion. We will also bring back the canvas that was painted for us on the first Sunday of lent.
Monday – Wednesday: I’ll be sending out an email reminder, so we can think together about what was happening on that corresponding day 2000 years ago. You may also join us for a “Lenten lunch” on Tuesday in downtown Saint Louis. Contact Caren White, if you can join us (961-1197).
Maundy Thursday: The word Maundy is derived (through Middle English and Old French mandé) from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis…" A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you. This is what Jesus said (John 13:34) when he washed the disciple’s feet.
At KBC you will have two opportunities to commemorate Maundy Thursday. One is corporate and the other is personal. You are encouraged to come to our soup and “family friendly” evening service. Eat as a family, and experience an informal service in which we recall the last supper. Children and youth are encouraged to come. We will also have a room (304) dedicated to prayer and reflection (10:00 a.m. to 9 pm.). Images and candles will allow for a time of prayer as we think about our call to love as Christ loved.
Good Friday: The prayer room will be available from 8:00 to noon for those unable to make it on Thursday. And we hope that ALL will return (with guests!) for that evening’s service: a presentation of John Rutter’s Requiem. This is stunning music and it will be performed by our well-rehearsed choir and a small orchestra, but moreover it provides an important message of redemption. We will depart from the service in silent meditation… remembering the dark day when innocence was nailed to a cross.
We will return to sing Halleluiah on Easter. But that’s another holy week.
Palm Sunday: We begin by setting aside this day to reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We remember the triumphal entry, the adoring crowds, and the fickle folk who quickly switched allegiances when they sensed Jesus was not the man they had hoped for. In worship we will have kids with palms, adults with readings, a choir with specials… all in an effort to set aside our minds and hearts in reflection and worship. We will return that evening for our final Lenten Vespers (6:00), in which we will encounter images of Christ during the passion. We will also bring back the canvas that was painted for us on the first Sunday of lent.
Monday – Wednesday: I’ll be sending out an email reminder, so we can think together about what was happening on that corresponding day 2000 years ago. You may also join us for a “Lenten lunch” on Tuesday in downtown Saint Louis. Contact Caren White, if you can join us (961-1197).
Maundy Thursday: The word Maundy is derived (through Middle English and Old French mandé) from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis…" A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you. This is what Jesus said (John 13:34) when he washed the disciple’s feet.
At KBC you will have two opportunities to commemorate Maundy Thursday. One is corporate and the other is personal. You are encouraged to come to our soup and “family friendly” evening service. Eat as a family, and experience an informal service in which we recall the last supper. Children and youth are encouraged to come. We will also have a room (304) dedicated to prayer and reflection (10:00 a.m. to 9 pm.). Images and candles will allow for a time of prayer as we think about our call to love as Christ loved.
Good Friday: The prayer room will be available from 8:00 to noon for those unable to make it on Thursday. And we hope that ALL will return (with guests!) for that evening’s service: a presentation of John Rutter’s Requiem. This is stunning music and it will be performed by our well-rehearsed choir and a small orchestra, but moreover it provides an important message of redemption. We will depart from the service in silent meditation… remembering the dark day when innocence was nailed to a cross.
We will return to sing Halleluiah on Easter. But that’s another holy week.
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