This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week commemorating Jesus’ journey from entering Jerusalem in triumph to his betrayal, crucifixion, and (spoiler alert) resurrection of Easter Sunday. We will focus on Philippians 2:5-11 in addition to the Gospels. When we started Lent on Ash Wednesday, none of us could have predicted how much we would give up for Lent this year. Between then and now, so many things have changed due to COVID-19.

At first glance, our current situation bears little resemblance to the events of Holy Week. A huge crowd waving palm branches to welcome a humble savior? A gathering of more than ten people for the last supper?! Not this year.

But as Jesus’ week goes on, we may see some more echoes of our own modern lives under stay at home orders. We empathize with Jesus’ profound sense of being alone throughout his judgment and crucifixion as he makes a painful sacrifice for us and God’s greater good. We see Jesus’ followers scatter as they hide and deny, only to be found together that Easter morning. As Rev. Allison Lanza put it, “The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter, the disciples were locked in their house…Alone in their homes, they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over and morning had broken.”

Even though this year will not allow us to worship and share the typical Holy Week events in person, we hope you will be an active participant in the wonder of Holy Week from home. Please plan to take part in the virtual worship services Pastor Don has planned all via Facebook Live in addition to your own Bible study and prayer from home:

Remember that although the church will be empty this year, so was Jesus’ tomb. Wishing you a blessed Holy Week!

*This page will be updated with the video links as they are posted! Please check back.