Living Holy Week Through Worship

The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach

Whose hand is holding yours in the chaos and mayhem and terror of your world? Who has been brave enough to make you their friend, has forgiven you when you turned your back on them, has come alongside…and known the fear that you thought was yours alone?

Dear Friends,

I have been reflecting on these words from Samuel Wells book, Hanging by a Thread: The Questions of the Cross. This book draws me into the meaning of the cross. We know these words by heart: “God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Yet, our response is integral to the equation: loving God, we live the peace that endures all challenges; we live the joy that elevates all blessings. Travelling with Jesus through all that transpired that first Holy Week, we experience the depth of God’s love, and instinctually experience the desire to love back. We live Holy Week through worship. Why do we worship? To grow in faith, to understand how we are meant to live our lives. We are seeking God, seeking love, seeking truth, seeking the peace, which surpasses all understanding. Why do we worship together? To affirm those who are seeking alongside us. We are supporting one another, recognizing that we need one another, and we are covenanting to love and support one another on the journey. Why worship together in-person?

Because, Eucharist is the heart of our community. We come to the table seeking and giving thanks for Christ’s love and mercy. We are people in relationship, seeking, serving, loving, together, family in Christ for one another.

Sam Wells points us to Christ’s presence with us in the Eucharist.

The most important choice we make is who you make your friends. Not just people who are useful to you; not just those who are interesting, or similar, or funny, or beautiful: but those in whose hands lies the secret of your soul.

Join us for worship throughout Holy Week, to experience the mutuality of love with Christ, to know yourself more profoundly, to embrace community, to know the sweet longing for God.

In thanksgiving for God’s abundant love and the many blessings of life, please give to the Easter offering this year. The Easter Offering is a significant source of funding for St. Paul’s outreach efforts through the Rector’s Discretionary Fund and the work of the Outreach Committee. I am grateful for your contributions and for your desire to live your faith.

Easter Blessings,

The Rev. Jeanne A. Leinbach