“For our sins he was lifted high upon the Cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and by his suffering and death he became the author of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him. ”
The Preface of Holy Week Book of Common Prayer, p.153
Each year, Jesus’ words to his disciples, who have become his friends, find deep resonance in my heart: “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.” (Luke 22:15, NLT) I look forward to these three days, each year, with great anticipation. For the liturgies, Scriptures, reflections, and experiences take us through the very center of our faith; through the uniqueness of God’s love for the world; through what it means to be His masterpiece.
If you have taken this journey with Restoration in the past, welcome back. I love having experienced companions. If this is your first time in The Triduum, welcome! I can’t wait to walk alongside you. I love the way your fresh eyes renew my vision.
There is a feast of options. I invite all of you to try something new. It’s all great, but there is a good chance you might have missed one of these opportunities to worship in the past:
Foot Washing at Maundy Thursday. The 3 days start tomorrow night at 7:30pm. The clergy of Restoration wash the feet of anyone who attends and desires it. When Jesus did it for his disciples, it made them feel uncomfortable… and deeply loved. We pray that you would experience that as well- from the pastors who care for you and from the Triune God who redeemed you.
Walking the Cross on Friday morning. We arrive at 8am at the home of Steve and Louise Brooks to walk the cross from their house to Restoration. It’s about a mile. We will offer 4 other options on Friday to pray through ‘The Stations of the Cross’ IN our sanctuary, but this morning walk is an unusual conflation of ancient and present, of deep meaning and casual distraction. As we walk through a normal neighborhood, we pause along the way to read and pray the stations. Neighbors are walking their dogs and driving to work. We are walking quietly and meditating on what Jesus accomplished for us through this heavy piece of timber and beam. I invite you to join us in this embodied experience of the stations.
Celebrating our hope of Restoration on Saturday Night: We gather outside (again!) around a new fire at 8:30pm. We take down the sins that have been nailed to the cross and burn them in celebration of forgiveness grace. We welcome the light of Christ back into the sanctuary. We tell the story of redemption. We renew our baptismal vows. We shout our resurrection hope. We sing the Eucharist. It’s familiar and yet unlike any other service that we do at Restoration. I invite you to experience it with us. Bring a bell to ring and a treat to share (sweet, savory, or drinkable) at the Resurrection party. Such a fun way to draw the 3 days to a close.
Easter Day will be glorious with flowers all over the sanctuary and as gifts for you to take home. We will have services at 8 || 9:30 || 11:30. There will be overflow seating in fellowship hall, if needed. Nursery for kids under 3 at all the services and shuttles running to our parking at Quincy and 15th.
THANK YOU to everyone who has been parking in that lot. If this is a new thing for you, it has made a difference and this Sunday it will be really important! PLEASE NOTE, you are welcome to park in the garage to the right that says ‘Monthly Permit Required’. It is not ‘required’ on Sundays. Feel very free to flow from the surface lot into the garage. Especially this week.
