Today was a fantastic culmination of a great series of Holy Week services. Palm Sunday was a unique presentation of music, scripture, videos and dramatic readings retelling the story of Jesus final week. It began with the entire congregation participating in a Palm Procession. Wit lots of song and laughter we circled the Sanctuary and laid out palms at the foot of the cross. These palm branches will be saved, dried out and burnt. Their ashes will be the ashes we use during next year's Ash Wednesday Service.After the procession, we moved into the telling of the story. Our choir did a fantastic job singing the hymns and music our Music Director Wendi Bernau chose for the service. The videos, Scripture and vignettes brought the events of the week to life.
Thursday, Maundy Thursday Communion service, was based on an idea I saw somewhere online. We followed the events in Jesus life just before Passover until His death on the cross by looking at the various watches and hours, Beginning with the ninth hour, both bells and a shofar announced the times. We sang, read Scripture and reflected on the events together. Of course, we also celebrated the Sacrament.
Friday was a protestant version of the Stations of the Cross. I have worked on and developed this service ever since I found a pilgrim's guide and brief form of the Stations in the pocket of the seat on our bus while on our first trip to Israel back in 1992. Over the years I have enhanced it with pictures and music. But it wasn't until I visited the Cross of the Plains in Groom, Texas, that it came alive. Around the 19 story metal cross is an artists lifesized sculptures of the various stations. I found them extremely inspiring, so much so that I have taken three seperate trips to both photgraph and film the various statues. Currently, the artist is working on the Last Supper.
This Sunday morning was supposed to be dark and storm with thunderstorms rolling through. Instead it was a beautiful day with a cool breeze. A big crowd showed up for our community Sunrise service at Vesper Point on the grounds of Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. I was blessed to be asked to preach this year.
Back at FUMC Glen Rose, both our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services were packed. If not a record crowd, then close to a record crowd was in attendance. Again, the choir outdid themselves. During both of these service the Bell Choir also added to beauty of this day.
Between services we held an Easter brunch inviting all of our guests and friends to share in light meal as we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus. I made a cake for the event, however, no one would eat it. They said they couldn't eat art. However, I did send it home with one of the families. All in all it was a great celebration of the Resurrection. Remember: The Resurrection is real. I know it's real because someone I trusted told me it was real; it has withstood the test of time and I have experienced Resurrection in my life and seen how the power of Resurrection has not inspired others but given them both hope and new life. HE IS RISEN. HE IS RISEN INDEED.
