A Message from Our Pastor: April

Dear Church Family:

Jesus of Nazareth requests the honor of your presence at a special observance of the Passover Seder Feast, to be held in his honor on Thursday evening, April 17, 2014, be-ginning at 6:00 p.m. This special banquet of lamb, potato, and green beans will be held in the Fellowship Hall. During the course of the evening, those present will be transported through time and space to a special historic moment which took place in an Upper Room somewhere in ancient Jerusalem. It was then that Jesus met with the Twelve to observe what would be their last meal together in the Holy City.

The Seder Supper is one part of the Jewish Passover celebration. The word “Passover” goes back to the time when God, through Moses, led the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt. The Egyptian Pharaoh was finally convinced to let the people go when every first-born male in Egypt was killed by a mysterious plague — a plague which even more myste-riously “passed over” the Israelite homes that had put lamb’s blood on their doorpost. This miraculous event of God’s liberation and deliverance of the Jews is the focal point of the Seder ritual and meal.

When Jesus shared his Last Supper with the Twelve, it was the Passover Seder meal and ritual which they observed. We are told in Scripture that, when the meal was over, Jesus took some bread and wine, and spoke those words which have lived eternally: “This is my body, broken for you. This is my blood of the New Covenant.”

On Maundy Thursday, you will have an opportunity to experience Passover as the Twelve disciples did: to hear the words of the ancient ritual which they spoke; to share much of the same food; to feel deeply all the mystery, the fear, the love, and the hope which the Twelve shared with Jesus. Following the meal and Communion, we will proceed by silent candlelight procession to the Sanctuary, where we will hold a brief Vigil of Gethsemane, remembering Christ’s agony in the Garden. This evening promises to be an unforgettable experience of faith, hope, and love. We hope you will be able to share the wonder and mystery of our faith that night.

We are happy to announce that there is no charge for this special worship experience. We will receive a free will offering to help defray the expenses; and we are asking those who are able to give a financial contribution in advance. If you can, please call the church office to let us know if you will be able to contribute something. Because of the extensive details involved in planning and preparation, however, we must require ADVANCED RESERVATIONS from everyone who would like to participate. Please take the time to add your name to the sign-up sheet that will be posted on the office bulletin board, or call in your “reservation” to the office. The deadline for all reservations will be Palm/Passion Sunday, April 13, 2014.

I do sincerely hope that you will not want to miss this very moving, spiritually uplifting service. And I believe that Christ would say to each member of our church what he once said to the Twelve: “How earnestly have I desired to eat this Passover meal with you!”

Shalom,

Pastor Chuck