Inspired by your Journey

People have asked me when Easter is this year.  I keep saying, “It’s late this year:  June 15.” We know that is INCORRECT, but Holy Week and Easter are late this year (as will be in 2026).  Yet, I am really glad we weren’t celebrating during a Blizzard.  That would really throw a wrench into the Easter Egg hunt!

The triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem with the waving of the palms must have been quite the  sight to see! I LOVE when we wave the palms in the air as we process in the Sanctuary singing “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” Once the children come in the Sanctuary, they take their place with the Middle School/High School Ensemble and Chancel Choir to sing “Sing Hosanna to Our King” by John Angotti. I call it a “soul” song.  It makes you want to get up and dance!

As the crowds in William Shakespeare’s plays, the once jubilant crowd begins to lose their excitement and starts to follow the rumors that are swirling around.  Before you know it, this crowd has significantly shifted to the opposite direction and wants nothing to do with Jesus.  How can we possibly represent this compelling shift in human nature on Maundy Thursday?  With a beautiful bell piece written by Jason W. Krug, “Lament,” each toll and depth of the bell signifies the sadness that is upon us: the betrayal of Jesus.  At the end of the piece, the bells are slowly covered with black cloth.  Pastor Heather continues the stripping of the Altar as we chant, “Stay with Me,” a Taizé text.  It becomes a mantra for us.

At last, it is Good Friday.  If you have read anything   about what I have written in previous years, you found this:  “What’s so good about Good Friday!?!?!?” I couldn’t agree more with myself!  The Cross is draped in black as we listen to scripture, sing, reflect, drop the heavy burden of the rock at the cross, and extinguish the candle.  Eventually, all the candles will be extinguished, just as we think Jesus has been extinguished, also.  The Chancel Choir sings “Lay His Body Down” by Billings/Choplin.   There are three beautiful motifs that resonant throughout the piece.  Jesus is crucified.  He is dead.

News! News! He is NOT dead!  It is Easter, and we are going to celebrate!  The kids find “Alleluia” and release it back into the Sanctuary!   The Chancel Choir and MS/HS Ensemble sing “All My Heart Shall Sing with Joy!” a piece by Greg Gilpin.  Along with the Carolon Bell playing and trumpet, I can’t wait for you to hear the jubilant pieces! 

May your journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter be inspiring for you.

Musically Yours,
Becky Jones
Worship and Music Coordinator

(Check the dates below so that you do know what date and what time.)
Holy Week and Easter: 
April 13:  Palm Sunday 9:30 a.m. with Children, Radical Ringers, MS/HS Ensemble, and Chancel Choir
April 17:  Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. with Carolon Bell Choir
April 18:  Good Friday 7:00 p.m. with Chancel Choir
April 20:  Easter 9:30 a.m. Trumpets, Chancel Choir, and Carolon Bell Choir

Coming up.....May 4:  Children Led Worship.