Dear Beloved,

How are you as we move towards Holy Week? I hope you can join us virtually or in person for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Friday worship services. Some of us may never have been part of any Holy Week worship experiences or traditions. Some of us may have negative or hurtful memories. Some of us may have mixed memories. No matter who you, what questions you have, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. We are always welcome to come to worship and any other Friedens gatherings with whatever we are feeling or aren’t feeling, with whatever we are or aren’t remembering, with all our questions, with all our doubts, with all of our being. You are loved and affirmed for the unique being God created you to be. 

For my childhood self, Maundy Thursday was my favorite worship experience of the year. Holy Friday worship service was the most painful and frightening. Palm Sunday and Easter were fun. As an adult, my feelings run together, and I have so many more questions. The whole season of Eastertide has become more meaningful to me as I age as well, but that is for another time. 

It is a blessing to be on this journey with you – a journey where we can keep growing, receiving and extending God’s grace and love, and being still together that we may listen to God’s call upon our lives to share the mercy and compassion of Jesus our Leader and Liberator. Please feel free to reach out with questions before, during, or after Holy Week. You may find it interesting to take time reading, studying, or meditating with some of the different Holy Week stories from the Bible. I will share just a few possibilities below. May you know you are dearly cared for with the unconditional, unstoppable love of the Creator of the heavens and the earth this moment and each moment.

With deep gratitude for you and hope in God’s Spirit~

Sarah