Dear Caldwell,
Today and tonight we enter what is known as the Triduum (three days), the final days before Easter, of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It’s been said that Easter has no meaning without what we remember in these days. Of all years, we are reminded that we cannot be Easter people without fully recognizing how far our Lord went for us in Christ Jesus.
Tonight, 7:30 – Maundy Thursday and Tenebrae
Please join us online as we gather to hear Gail preach from Luke 22:31-32, share communion and listen prayerfully to the Passion narrative of Christ’s betrayal, arrest, trial, torture and crucifixion. The fact that we are physically separated can bring new meaning to this ancient tradition that speaks anew to us every year. Please prepare Communion in your own homes and follow along. We will be aided by the gifts and leadership of our members.
Click here to watch tonight’s worship.
Call in number: 312 626 6799
After the service, we will hold vigil together, connected by the Holy Spirit. To be a part of our shared effort to cover the subsequent 24-hours of the vigil, please click here and sign up. There are some spots still open. That link offers wonderful resources for your prayer, learning and reflection for the span of these three days.
Good Friday
No events are planned for this day as we remain in prayerful reflection. You’re invited to journal, read your favorite voices of faith and pray especially for those affected by the pandemic and pray for our healthcare professionals who are risking themselves to care for others.
Holy Saturday
In anticipation of Sunday, we will decorate the cross on Saturday morning using safe, physical distancing practices. IF you feel comfortable, you are invited to drop flowers or yard clippings of spring blossoms at the church Saturday before 10:30 a.m. We will have two volunteers there to help decorate the cross to symbolize the promise of new life. They will step back if you would like to put your flowers on the cross yourself or you can drop them on the sidewalk to be added.
All of the details for Sunday’s Easter worship will be in Caldwell This Week on Saturday.
In these heavy days, the tragedy of the pandemic’s impact is hitting our national neighbors very hard. We’re equally mindful of the local impacts, which are affecting our most vulnerable neighbors disproportionately. I’ve heard several of you say how hard this time must be for those who do not have faith and the particular hope it offers. What better three days for us to pray with the urgency of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane for ALL who face such loss, difficulty and uncertainty, including ourselves.
Bring those prayers and laments to worship tonight and be lifted up by the act of worship together and remembering that nothing in life or death can separate us from the love of God.
If you would like to take time in these three days to respond to God’s grace in Christ with a contribution to the church’s many ministries, CLICK HERE.
In Christ,
John