Some Observations of Lent and Holy Week

After all the joyful excitement of Easter morning it seems appropriate to take a moment to breath…and to reflect back on the last six weeks. Lent began with Diane Evans reminding us that we all have gifts to share…and in the sharing we create the blessed community in which we live.

The beginning of Lent also coincided with the start of our Faith of a Mockingbird study which was another great opportunity for people to share their own stories. Some of us in that study were at the same time wrapping up another book study, this one using Bryan Stephenson’s Just Mercy. This was another “hard” read. But as always, the conversation among a diverse group of individuals made the time so richly rewarding.

It is my hope that later this spring we might offer a program on White Privilege, which is something that many people are in denial of but which exists just the same. Watch for more information on that coming soon!

Of course having Pastor Kelly back to lead us through Holy Week was a joy in itself, as was the beautiful sunrise we experienced this year. A special thank you to Muriel Blackwood and Jan Colson for opening their home and yard to this unique time of worship.

One of the highlights of Holy Week for me came on Good Friday afternoon as Pastor Kelly and I joined with our colleagues of the Southeast Covenant Community to worship together at Unity Lutheran Church. This group will soon be hosting another night of conversation at the Islamic Center when everyone will be invited to share their own stories about what it means to live together in community. Again, look for more information coming soon.

Meanwhile, never forget that Christ is Risen…Indeed!

Blessings,

Pastor Andy