To the congregation of Grace United Church, Dunnville,
Hello again. We are about to enter Holy Week on the Christian calendar. In this strange and difficult time, it may seem odd to hold to this schedule and pay heed to the rhythms set out by our faith tradition. There are so many other things that seem far more significant and many different priorities. I have certainly struggled with how much importance to place on these things such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. How important are they?
I think they can be important. But that depends in part, I believe in how we use them. It is not a matter of recognizing them, just because they are there. How does reflecting on the story attached to that day, help us find God at work in our lives right now? What can we learn about God’s love for us and how God is at work in the world from the story of Holy Week?
And so, it is my intent to carry on with some form of Holy Week reflection as we enter in to this oh so significant part of our faith’s calendar. That starts with this Sunday, Palm Sunday. Normally Palm Sunday includes the waving of palm branches as we sing, remembering the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Obviously, we can’t gather for a palm waving entrance into the sanctuary. But perhaps we can join together waving pieces of cloth as we sing And On This Path.
Do we feel triumphant and liberated in this particular moment? Probably not. But let’s reflect on how Jesus comes to us in our moments of oppression offering us freedom and love. I will speak more about that on Sunday.
I am still working out what else I will do next week, but I will offer some sort of reflection on Maundy Thursday and a reading from the Gospel of John on Good Friday. Finally, on Easter Sunday I plan to offer communion to those able to join me by Facebook Live that morning. But you will need to help, of course. I will continue to email copies of my messages and will include the prayers for those unable to view the live stream.
I am asking those who wish to participate in communion to bring your own elements; your own bread and a cup of grape juice or wine if you prefer. Honestly, it works for you go with orange juice. (who else will know? J)
The live stream will be a little bit different that morning. A message from Moderator Richard Bott noted one of the difficulties with communion by internet. The church is comfortable with communion in this fashion. It is agreed we are gathered as one, even if we are not in the same geographic location. However, it is still seen as important to perform this at the same time. One thing that has become apparent is our Facebook Live posts get a lot of views later in the day or the week. That is wonderful. I am grateful people seek them out.
So; on Easter Sunday the first part of the service, with song, prayer, scripture and message will be livestreamed. I will then end that livestream and then start a second livestream for the communion service. The recording of that livestream can then be deleted while leaving the first part of the service in place for others to view at a later time.
It can all seem very complicated, but is part of our learning and reflecting in this time of pandemic. What is important? What do we truly value? What do truly want to hold on to, and what can we change to continue holding on to those things that are truly important?
My prayers continue for all of you. May you continue to find health and happiness and a purpose as we work together to find our way to the other side of this valley.
God’s blessings for all of you.
Rev. Warner Bloomfield