What a spectacular week - Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter!

Everyone knew that 2022 was going to be different than the last couple of years.  We finally had some sense that the pandemic might really end.  It also looked like it might be spring on the horizon (or so we thought).  For me the entire week, from Palm Sunday to Easter, was an unexpected, wonderful, amazing time.  Easter ended with about an inch of snow overnight.  So we might have to wait a bit for that springtime.  These sweet faces bring me so much joy.  It was truly a season to remember.  

This picture reminds me of some of the very high points of the week for me.  Beginning on Palm Sunday.  The top left picture might not look like a "typical" Palm Sunday celebration. You can't see any palm branches waving.  But what it IS, is so much more.  My church has always had a "Palm Sunday Pilgrimage".  The entire congregation is encouraged to walk to church on that Sunday.  This helps to appreciate exactly what Jesus and his followers were experiencing on that first Palm Sunday.  Jerusalem was seeing thousands (maybe millions) of people flood in for the upcoming festival.  It was a big party.  And that is exactly what we had that day at church.  After walking in with over 50 children, youth and adults,  the service was a true celebration.  The most meaningful Palm Sunday I have ever had. 

The top right picture is another "unusual" service.  In past years with Lia and Zeke's first Communion, I have blogged about this Maundy Thursday service that is like no other.  This year was Ellie's first Communion.  Every family gathers at their own table, and during the Communion time, the oldest at each table serves everyone.  So, this year, I got to give Ellie her first Communion.  A truly amazing and awe inspiring time.  

The bottom left picture was Good Friday.  Most people would recognize this service as what you would expect.  The story of Jesus' last week was retold and as the story progressed, candles were extinguished until only the Christ Candle was left burning.  As the service concluded, Anna sang "This Little Light of Mine" as she carried that candle out of the church.  We were left sitting in the darkness of the hour.  I have never felt the finality of that darkness more than that night.  But more importantly, as we all know, Friday might be dark, but Sunday is on the way!  The Easter Celebration began with Anna once again singing "This Little Light of Mine" as she brought the Christ Candle back into the Sanctuary.  And a wonderful celebration it was!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

The bottom left is, of course, my family.  Being together and being entirely us.  We had a wonderful day doing all of the usual Easter stuff.  

The kids had their traditional egg hunt but this year Lia hid the eggs for the younger kids.  After she was done, only her eggs remained (each of the kids gets a special color egg making it easy for them to find their own eggs).  Tim was busy cooking dinner, so I volunteered to hide the eggs for Lia.  When the egg hunt was done, Lia could not find 4 of her eggs.  And this grandma had no idea where I had hidden them!  I took special notice of the places I thought she would never look, and she easily found those eggs.  But the elusive four eggs were nowhere to be found.  Gwen finally decided that squirrels must have taken them!  Which, given their property, might actually be possible!  Maybe sometime over the next few months, those eggs might show up?  One thing is certain, Grandma will not be hiding eggs again!

On the drive home I was reflecting on the amazing week.  It actually took my breath away.  There were so many "God moments" and breath taking times that it was hard to take it all in.  I experienced this season in new ways that I am still taking time to digest.  It is  good to know that I am not too old to grow and learn.  The entire way home, I found myself singing, "This Little Light of Mine" and thinking about all of the verses of that song...

This little light of mine!  I'm going to let it shine.  All around the neighborhood, I'm going to let it shine. Hide it under a bushel -NO!  I'm going to let it shine. Don't let Satan blow it out! I'm going to let it shine,  Let it shine till Jesus comes! I'm going to let it shine.

That is is good way to begin this new season.  Letting my light shine.  What a great reminder for all of us.  Let us shine more and argue less.  Let us shine more and worry less.  Let us shine more and take sides less.  Let us shine more!

Jesus, thank you for continuing to challenge me and encourage me to grow and learn.  Holy Spirit help us all to live in the joy and wonder of Easter as we move ahead.  Remind us that Sunday is coming when we are stuck in the darkness of Friday.  Give us courage to shine when we are faced with tough situations.  Give us boldness to shine in the strongest opposition.  Jesus thank you for you love!  Amen

Why Maundy Thursday is a favorite of mine....

I just love Maundy Thursday.  It is not a very well known or much celebrated day, but for us Lutherans, it is always a part of the Easter Season.  It was the celebration of the Last Supper - a way to remember the beginning of our Communion services - the time when Jesus and his disciples celebrated Passover together.  It was also the night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  This was all enough for me to appreciate those church services on Maundy Thursday.  For me it was a time to feel especially close to those first disciples, and to Jesus. 

Then about 20 years ago, I had two experiences that changed everything for me about Maundy Thursday.  The first was a presentation by a man from "Jews for Jesus".  He celebrated a Passover Seder with us and revealed Jesus in the celebration.  It was really an eye opening time with the realization of the connection between this Jewish festival and our Communion.  The second experience was the Maundy Thursday just a few days after that Passover meal, that included everyone sitting at tables and eating a meal together.  Then the Pastors washed the feet of each of us
Later in that service, everyone was called to come up and join together as we took Communion together, all standing around the altar (which was truly a "Communion Table").  The words in the Bible describing the Last Supper became real to me that night.  I have longed for that experience again on each Maundy Thursday since then. 

Maundy Thursday came this year.  It was particularly special because Zeke had decided to take his First Communion at that service. 

Gwen and Tim's church is a wonderful mix of things that make it Lutheran, yet relevant and attractive to young and old alike.  They do Maundy Thursday beginning with everyone sitting at tables, with bread and wine, grapes and juice as the center.  Those who have decided to make this their first Communion are called to the front and asked to share why they have made this choice.  I loved the variety of testimonies shared.  One young man shared that he wanted to make this HIS faith rather than just his parents.  Another shared the desire to be closer to Jesus.  One girl talked about getting strength from Communion.  Among other things, Zeke shared that he wanted to be a disciple of Jesus.  So many personal reasons, shared publicly with their church family.  

The Pastor told the story of the Last Supper and talked about the fellowship that happened that night around that table.    Psalm 51 was shared. There was time for prayer.  Then the oldest person at each table - and that was clearly me - passed the bread and the wine (juice) to everyone at the table.  Really a wonderful way to remember why Communion is such an important part of our faith - something that has been celebrated for centuries.  It was for me, a reminder of that service long ago.

I am so thankful that I got to be a part of such an important event for Zeke.  Gwen and Tim have done a wonderful job of making their faith real everyday.  That has translated well for their children.  I love seeing these important milestones being passed down to the next generation.  Most of all, I am so thankful that my grandchildren will grow up knowing and experiencing what Maundy Thursday is really all about, and knowing Jesus personally.  

Jesus, thank you for leaving us this life-giving meal.  Holy Spirit remind us that fellowship, eating together and caring for each other are all part of God's plan.  Give us the courage to slow down and take the time to sit and talk and share with others.  Thank you for Fellowship of Faith church and the messages that are shared.  Jesus, bless these young people who boldly shared their faith, with your presence and power.  Thank you Lord for family.  Amen

Closer to Jesus............

I love when my last blog just feeds right into the next one!  Tonight I had the great honor and privilege to hear this wonderful young lady (my sweet Lia) proclaim to her church family her faith and trust in Jesus.  Then she joined God's family in that very special meal - Holy Communion.  When her Pastor asked her why she wanted to commune she wisely answered "to be closer to Jesus".  WOW!  What a night!    This was not a "traditional" Maundy Thursday service.  Their church has their fellowship area filled with tables and chairs set with fresh baked loafs of bread and carafes of wine.  Everyone gathers together around those tables and the Pastor retells this important story.  One of the most interesting things that Pr. Dave shared tonight was the meaning of the word "Maundy".  It actually comes from a Latin word that means mandate or command.  Jesus told his disciples that he was giving them a new covenant along with this powerful way that we can "be closer to Jesus"!   The oldest person at each table (which happened to be me at our table) broke the bread and served it around the table and then poured the wine and served it.  We all communed together.  Then the bread and grapes (and grape juice) on the table were shared by everyone!  There was lots of fellowship and lots of love.  I confess that I couldn't take my eyes off of Lia!  I was thinking about my last blog about a legacy of love.  I felt as if I was seeing a part of my legacy right in front of me.  Here was my granddaughter proudly proclaiming her love for Jesus!  And more than that, her desire to get closer to Him.  Yes, I feel so very blessed.  

A couple of days ago I shared this post on Facebook from The Passion Translation........

I hear His whisper..."Listen to Me"
In the silence I will speak to you. Each morning come and sit at My feet and learn from the wisdom of eternity. I will speak. I will whisper to your soul. It is time for you to hear Me clearly each day. The assignments I give to you will be pleasant and rewarding. The task I set before you each day will bring sweetness to your soul. Others will begin to take note, that you have been with Me.

In the evening hours come to Me and I will whisper My living words into your spirit. I will make your night season a time of encounter as My Spirit comes to bring you heaven's grace and the dew of My presence. Listen carefully, as a lover listens to every word of the Beloved-- listen to Me and you will hear My voice. I will touch your ears and open them as one who is being taught. You will learn My ways as you listen to My voice.

I love to speak with you, to talk to you and share My heart with you. I have many who say they follow Me but never still their souls to listen to My voice. I am a Shepherd who goes before My sheep calling them by name, caring for them in love, and leading them into My ways. You will find that I have ears for your voice, I listen to you as you speak with Me, now come and listen to My whisper each day and know that I am your God.

Proverbs 8:5-12 The Passion Translation 

"Listen to Me

And you will be prudent and wise. 

For even the foolish and feeble

Can receive an understanding heart 

That will change their inner being.

The meaning of my words 

Will release within you

Revelation for you to reign in life. 

My lyrics will empower you

To live by what is right.

For everything I say is unquestionably true;

And I refuse to endure the lies of lawlessness— 

My words will never lead you astray. 

All the declarations of my mouth can be trusted; 

They contain no twisted logic

Or perversion of the truth.

All My words are clear and straightforward 

To all who possess spiritual understanding. 

If you have an open mind

You’ll receive revelation-knowledge. 

My wise correction is

More valuable than silver or gold. 

The finest gold is nothing compared

To the revelation-knowledge I can impart. 

Wisdom is so priceless

That it exceeds the value than any jewel. 

Nothing you could wish for can equal her.

For I am Wisdom, and I am shrewd and intelligent. 

I have at My disposal living-understanding

To devise a plan for your life.

So I have been thinking about drawing closer to Jesus by listening to Him.  And I love the last line of this passage........ Jesus has at His disposal a plan for my life.  He has a plan for Lia's life also... and a plan for you!  I am so thankful tonight that the plan for my life included being with Lia when she made this life changing step to grow closer to Jesus.    

Jesus, thank you for your mandate to love each other.  You are love and you share that with us through this amazing meal.  Holy Spirit remind us to be still and hear from you each day.  Thank you for special times that help us to see your working in our family.  Thank you for days of remembrance!  Amen

Thinking about Communion today...........and another "Big Event"

Yes, here is a blast from the past.  I am the "girl in the glasses" - second from the right.  And the year is 1969.  This is my Confirmation and also my first Communion.  It was a very special day to me, although the process of Confirmation was NOT so great.  We had just moved to this area and none of these kids were my friends.  As a matter of fact, they were not very nice to me at all.  They had their own little group and they were not happy that I had burst onto the scene and joined them. I felt very much the outsider. Even down to those Bibles we are holding.  Each Bible had our name inscribed on the cover.  And mine had my name misspelled and the wrong middle name. Again, not so great. So in quite typical middle school fashion, this was not a very good year for me.  But I digress....

The church was a modern, very small sanctuary, that actually had metal folding chairs instead of pews.  I think it seated around 100 people.  The Pastor was not very memorable.  We had joined this church because it was a block from our house.  So there were no big family ties to this church.  But here's the thing, on that day... the day of my Confirmation and my first Communion, something amazing happened to me.  I had a very real encounter with Jesus.   Isn't that what we all want to believe about these events?  It is never supposed to be about the pastor, or the ritual and should always be focused on Jesus.  And on that day, in that small church, I understood the miracle of Communion.  No, this was NOT on Maundy Thursday.  In fact it was in October (and for all those Lutherans out there, it was not actually on Reformation either).  But since that day, Communion has had special meaning to me.

On to Maundy Thursday......there was one particular Maundy Thursday when my church had a family meal before the service.  There were many families there and lots of children.  My own kids were there...Doug was in late grade school and Gwen was early middle school.  During the service, before the time of Communion, the pastor called the entire congregation up to the altar.  Not just near the altar but actually right up to the altar.  And then he told the story of the Last Supper.  And we were all packed in, very close as we listened to the words of the story.  And then we celebrated Communion.  I remembered watching the kids.  And I felt that amazing wonder of the supernatural power of the presence of Jesus in those common elements of bread and wine.  An added bonus to that night was the little girl who announced that she had given her heart to Jesus at that packed altar.

I have always believed that it is wrong to withhold Communion from children who know Jesus.  I am not exactly sure how the church arrived at this tradition.  I felt so strongly about this that I prepared material to help kids in second and third grade prepare to receive Communion.  It was wonderful to see kids able to be empowered with the real presence of Jesus through this meal.  Why would we want to withhold this powerful gift of the life of Jesus from our children?

So that is my Communion "Big Event" story with a bit of a Confirmation story thrown in.  You know it is good to look back on these times.  It's good to remember the reason for Communion and the events of that Last Supper. And it is good to expect Jesus to be present every time we celebrate Communion.  This day is a gift.  It is a reminder that Jesus knew that we would all need to have a concrete way to touch and taste him.  Jesus left a physical way for us to have a spiritual encounter with him every time we participate in this meal.  Isn't that amazing?

Jesus, thank you for this week filled with "big event" days.  Thank you for understanding us so well that you prepared, in advance for this Communion meal.  Help us all to keep our focus on you as we take that walk with you into the Garden,  Give us grace to walk with you through the day tomorrow as we contemplate your great sacrifice for us.  Jesus you are the way, the truth and the life!  Amen