But Sunday…

Holy Week has come.

Thursday will bring us to the upper room and the gathering of friends around the table with Jesus. Feet will be washed. Jesus will command us to love one another. Bread and wine will be offered.

In all the things we do as Christians, this holy week of worship, preparation, remembrance, ritual, grieving, and celebration brings us closest to the footsteps of our Savior. The week is filled with drama. The last week of the life of Jesus brings the promise of freedom; the promise of welcome; the promise of love; and the promise of life. 

Palm Sunday shares the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to shouts of “hosanna,” which means “save us” and palm branches waving in celebration of the arrival of the king. Even riding on a humble donkey, Jesus still gathers the hungry, the hopeless, and the hurting to a parade of hope that he would deliver God’s people from their oppression. 

Friday we will follow Jesus to the cross. We will hear cries of “crucify” and words of forgiveness from our Savior. Even on the cross Jesus will welcome one of the criminals crucified beside him a place in the Kingdom of God. Darkness will cover the earth. An earthquake will shake the world. Our Savior will be placed in a freshly carved tomb. For a time, it will feel as if the light of the world has gone out forever. 

But Sunday.

Sunday comes and the sun rises and the women who venture to the tomb under cover of darkness find the stone rolled away. Angels will question the women, “why are you crying?” And when the disciples run to tell the others, Mary will linger in the garden only to be questioned by one she believes to be the gardener — until he calls her by name, “Mary.”

When Mary hears her name, the tears that fall in grief become tears that weep in joy. In the light of resurrection joy, Mary names her Savior “Rabonni” (teacher). I expect that when we meet Jesus at the gates of heaven, we will know exactly how Mary felt when she realized that the one speaking to her was her risen Lord and Savior. 

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

People of God – Happy Easter!

See you in church.

Pastor Chris

Holy Week 2023

To mark the days of the journey of Jesus in life, in death, and in resurrection joy.

April 2, Palm Sunday, Domingo de Ramos

8:30a & 10:45a (English), 10:45a (en español)

“Hosanna in the highest!” will be our cry as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into the gates of the holy city. We will celebrate the beginning of this holy week with the reminder that our expectations and God’s expectations are not always exactly the same. Where the people want a powerful king, Jesus comes as a suffering servant riding a donkey. Through the events of day, we will be reminded of the coming of the promised Messiah – the chosen one of God. Worship is at 8:30am and 10:45am. Between services, BLAST students and families will share in the creation of the alfombras (sand carpets) for Holy Week.

April 6, Maundy Thursday, Jueves Santo

6:30p (English), 6:30p (en español)

Maundy Thursday Dinner 5:30p: Experience and learn about the foods of the Passover. A sampling of Passover food will be provided. Plan on bringing a dish to pass. Reservation only. Reserve your space online or by call to the church office, 262-547-8518.

Maundy Thursday Worship:  We will gather in the upper room with Jesus and the disciples to celebrate the Last Supper. This year, we will hear words of confession and forgiveness and be reminded of the powerful image of the Savior washing the feet of the disciples. As is tradition, we will honor the memory of Jesus’ humiliation at the hands of those in power before he is led to the cross to be crucified by the stripping of the altar. Worship is at 6:30pm.

April 7, Good Friday, Viernes Santo

12p & 6:30p (English), 6:30p (en español)

The ancient title for this day is “the Triumph of the Cross.” A reminder for us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the cross as a symbol of new life. We will share in the unfolding drama as Jesus is led to the cross. We will hear the stories of the day and give witness to the closing of the tomb.

April 9, Easter Sunday, Domingo de Resurrección

8:30a & 10:45a (English), 10:45a (en español)

First we hear only hoped-for whispers on the wind. Resurrection? Are you sure? We gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus, the Christ. We will hear the story of that first Easter sunrise and be surrounded by the joyful sounds of songs that have been sung for generations and songs that new generations are singing.  Worship is at 8:30am and 10:45am with a continental pot-luck breakfast reception in-between services. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!