Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

It’s Easter Monday as I write this. I should’ve written it sooner, but I couldn’t. Easter was coming, and now has!

I absolutely loved Holy Week. So much, so good, so deep, so faithful, so feeding of my soul, so much excellence, so much serving, so much hope, so much for which to give thanks, and so much that I will not forget. I am randomly reveling in it. It took a whole community, and so much individual servanthood to make it happen. Unable to thank everyone, I am thankingGod for you.

The copy machine served unflinchingly. Every bulletin was collaboratively produced, reviewed, edited by Jocelyn Alford and a team of volunteers. Boxes of bulletins were labeled for each worship, including charts for counting attendance.

Months ago, the worship servant duties were revised and a special well attended training session was held for each. A new communion server position was created to enable taking the sacrament to those physically challenged to come forward.

After narthex chaos at our Christmas Eve worships, and advice from the fire marshal, it was decided to create an ‘overflow worship setting’ in the Fellowship Hall. A large screen was purchased, a chancel was created using our original altar and font. All the technology was tested, and tested, and on Sunday more than 140 people worshipped at each of the 9:30 and 11:00 worships in that space. A few tweaks are ahead, but it was well received by many and this pastor’s heart was warmed by several active member households choosing this space to extend our welcome to all.

There were four baptisms at our Easter Vigil; two young men taking this step into adult discipleship and two children of some Venezuelan immigrants with whom we have connected for several years. As the baptismal liturgy was spoken alternating between English and Spanish, I held tears at the wholeness and holiness of the moment. Some say the tears were from all the incense; to which I say “nonsense!”

Amidst the amazing diversity and quality of music through all of Holy Week, our director Jeremy Bankson and I came to initial agreement after the vigil that we might have found a musical instrument I might play, one which requires neither tone nor tempo, the didgeridoo! And, choir, you were wonderful. Hours upon hours to prepare. Selections perfectly reflecting the moods of each worship. It all bore such amazing inclusive fruit to inspire each of us to receive the gift of God’s love.

Our sacristy at Prince of Peace is larger than most. And it was full of servants every time I went there last week. Eleven eucharists were celebrated last week alone, most with multiple stations. That bread doesn’t bake itself. Nor do the glasses wash themselves between worships. All done during busy family and springtime schedules.

How many processions did we have in a week? With candles, crosses, banners, palms and a personal favorite of ‘festival twirlies?” So many young people served our worship! That took some organizing and commitment.

It is sometimes said that “the better the party, the bigger the mess.” We made a mess! But before, during and after each event the vacuums hummed, trash was taken out, bathrooms were cleaned. In fact, it is happening right now at your church.

I could goon. But I think you could also. I’d love to hear from you. Email me if the Spirit moves you to share some way, big or small, that this community’s worship blessed you last week. It did me, and I’d love to share your joy, too!

Indeed! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Jim