Dear PPPC,

You already know what I’m going to say: I really, really, really didn’t want to put Easter on the header of this email. After all, it’s only Friday.

Last night, we gathered together in growing darkness and silence, remembering the last supper, the betrayal, the crucifixion, and the death of Jesus. We left in silence and darkness, waiting for the dawn.

Today, Good Friday, we observe, remember, and enter more fully into Jesus’ crucifixion and death. You are invited to join together this evening at 7pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. There, together with the congregations of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, we will participate in a Cross Walk/Stations of the Cross Walk through town. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

As we continue in this Holy Week, let us remember and encounter the darkness and hopelessness which descended upon those first disciples on that crucifixion day. Their Savior, their friend, was dead. Perhaps it doesn’t require such a stretch of the imagination, as most of us have known at some point in our lives, what it means to be in the pit of despair.

BUT THEN, on the first day of the week, the tomb is empty. Jesus Christ is Risen! Hope moves toward us and claims us. The entire narrative changes. This story becomes the greatest story. It is a story that has the power to transform everything. And it is no idle tale.

On Sunday, we will celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Invite a friend or a family member to join you (and us) in worship this week as we are reminded once more that the Resurrection changes everything.

Together we will proclaim the good news: Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

And then, as a resurrection people, we will get busy living.

See you in church!

May grace surprise you, kindly, along the way,
Pastor Molly