Greetings beloved St. Georgians,
This Sunday we begin our Holy Week pilgrimage from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. These are our highest and holiest days. We often refer to the reading about Jesus’ trial and crucifixion as the “Passion Play.” The word “passion” once referred more to suffering (from its Latin root). Modern use of the word “passion” is more about strong feelings. Maybe the meaning of the word shifted, because feelings can be so strong they “hurt.” Jesus’ love for us is so strong that he was willing to endure so much suffering, to show us the power of love.
Some of us are “passionate” about Holy Week! Many of us, though, wonder what all the fuss is about. It is not a big part of our schedule. Let me encourage everyone, if you have not already discovered the wonder of these holy days, to come and take part in the dramatic journey. It is often said (mostly by preachers, I admit) that it is difficult to appreciate the gift of Easter without having first experienced Holy Week. Please note the schedule of services we are offering this year and join us for any or all of them.
As we prepare for Holy Week, it is a good time to spruce up our buildings and grounds and get our house of worship in order. This Saturday, March 19, (also known as the Feast of St. Joseph!) we gather as a church family to clean windows, scrape and paint some exterior woodwork, scrub some floors, clear clutter, beautify our grounds, dust in hard-to-reach places, and much more. Please join us at 9 a.m. or any time that morning and bring implements (gloves, cleaning tools, buckets, handheld vacuums) if you can. Children can also help. This is a great opportunity for us to come together as one St. George’s community, meet each other, and take care of this place in which we experience the care of God.
Your brother in Christ,
Joe+
Leave a Reply