March Worship Notes

Nancy Smith

The penitential season of Lent continues into March this year, and the sanctuary maintains its somber tone. The chancel continues to be vested in purple symbolizing repentance. Shiny objects are removed from the worship space and flowers may be omitted. The Lenten tradition of fasting or "giving up" something is not intended as a public act of piety, but, rather, a private means of removing distractions so that the community of faith may focus on the example of the sacrificial love of Christ as the model for their lives. The gospel lessons in March direct the meditations of the community. The first Sunday's gospel (Mark 1:9-15) recounts the temptation of the Lord. The second (Mark 8:31-38) challenges the community of faith to "take up" its cross boldly. The third Sunday's gospel (John 2:13-22) recounts His purification of the Temple and foreshadows the cross. The fourth Sunday's lesson (John 3:14-21) emphasizes the Messiah's role of redeemer rather than judge. The fifth Sunday's lesson (John 12:20-33) reveals to His follower the price of their redemption--Jesus' life-- and His willingness to be their --our--Paschal Lamb. What wondrous love!

Alleluia!

April Worship Notes

Nancy Smith

The penitential season of Easter continues into April this year, culminating in Holy Week which begins on Palm Sunday and concludes with the freaking of the fast for the vigil for the festival of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday which commemorates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and follows "Lazarus Saturday" in some Easter practices. The tradition of the procession of palms can be documented as far as the fourth century. Palm Sunday is also Passion Sunday and the duality of Christ's joyful entrance into Jerusalem stands in stark contrast to the horror of trial and to the crucifixion that followed. The feast of Maundy or Holy Thursday is one of contrasts love and loss. Christ's new order (mandatum novum) that his follower love one another may be demonstrated by ritual foot washing between both laity and clergy. The feast also commemorates the Last Supper as the institution of the Eucharist. The Lenten fast is broken with the Lord's Supper after which the altar is stripped of its vestments and all bells are silenced in remembrance of Christ's dark night in Gethsemane. The Service of Shadows (Tenebrae, fourteen candles, along with a Christ candle, are lit at the beginning of the service and extinguished one by one as the story of Christ's Passion unfolds. The Christ candle is extinguished last, as the light of the Messiah was extinguished on the Cross. The chancel remains dark until the first service of Easter: the Paschal Vigil. It, traditionally begins in darkness and ends as the light of Easter dawns. Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday, begins the season of Easter tide which continues until Pentecost. The chancel is vested in a joyful white and the return of alleluias, absent during Lent, celebrates the victory of the resurrected Christ over sin. The Paschal candle is lit for worship during the Sundays of Eastertide (its flame represents Christ's illuminating light) and thereafter lit for occasions such as funerals and baptisms. For the community of faith, our sorrow turns to joy. Alleluia, Christ is Risen,

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