When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died.
My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.

I have a love for the old hymns.  Those songs that convey such powerful theology and tell the amazing stories of our faith.  This time of year I am drawn to the hymns that tell us about God’s amazing love found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As I look ahead to the events of Holy Week those words run through my thoughts.  I love those words penned by Issac Watts in 1707.  They are such powerful words that never grow old as they tell an amazing story. 

As I write this, the excitement and joy of Palm Sunday still lingers in my mind, as we all waved our Palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!”  The joy was contagious as our children told us the Palm Sunday story. 

Soon we will gather again, on Maundy Thursday at 7:00pm, to remember Jesus’ final gathering with his disciples in the Upper Room.  The joy of the Passover feast turning into the somberness of the Last Supper.  “This is my body, broken for you.  This is my blood, shed for the forgiveness of your sins.”  The confusion as Jesus tells of his betrayal by one of the twelve.  How quickly things change as the plan is set in motion.  How quickly joy turns to sorrow and hope turns into despair.  Our worship will walk us through Jesus final hours, from the celebration of the Last Supper to his final words from the cross as the gathering darkness falls upon us.

Good Friday I invite you to come for a time of meditation and prayer as you walk The Journey to the Cross.  These experiential prayer stations will take us on a journey with Jesus from the Garden to the Tomb.   The Sanctuary will be open from noon-3:00pm for a self-guided journey of prayer and reflection.

My hope is that you find time these next few days to pause and remember the importance of all that happened this week in the life of Jesus.  This is the week that changed our lives.  This is what our faith is all about – Jesus incredible love for each one of us!  He was willing to die a horrible death for your sake and mine.

Love so amazing so divine.  Demands my soul my life my all

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

P.S. I look forward with great anticipation to celebrating Resurrection Sunday with you and your loved ones! 

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

     – Isaiah 53:5