Holy Week In What Was Once Called Hell Town (4/14/2011)

Weekly Pulpit -- Warren Sentinel -- April 14, 2011

The Psalmist wrote, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24) I believe that we should consider every day to be Holy because it is a day that God has made. But I also believe that it is appropriate for us to pause at special times during the year (and indeed each week) to reflect in special ways on all that should cause us to to rejoice and be glad.

The verses immediately preceding the one above read, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” While at Christmas Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, during Holy Week we reflect on the rejection that our savior experienced from so many during his day …. and even in ours. In particular, we remember the events leading up to his death upon the cross.

While we don't forget that on the third day he rose again, for many Christians the Season of Lent, in general, and Holy Week, in particular, is a time of sacred remembrance and repentance as we prepare ourselves for the glorious celebration of Jesus' resurrection and the eternal newness of life we are offered in and through him.

Many churches throughout our county will have special gatherings in the coming days that provide opportunities for us to do this communally. I encourage you to visit the website of the church you attend or a church near you to learn what they are doing in the lead up to Resurrection Sunday. You can find many local church websites at www.frwcma.org.

In addition, I would encourage you to participate in the following events that are being sponsored by the Front Royal / Warren County Ministerial Association: On Palm Sunday, April 17^th, we will gather at the parking lot next door to the First Baptist Church on Royal Avenue at 12:30 pm to observe a dramatic reenactment of Jesus' “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem. From there we will walk to the Gazebo with stops along the way for other dramatic reenactments of events in the life of Jesus during the week leading up to his crucifixion.

On Good Friday, April 22^nd, we will return to the Gazebo at noon for a brief service of scripture readings, prayer, song, and reflection. If you work locally, we encourage you to join us over your lunch break.

Then on Easter Sunday, we invite you to attend the spectacular production of “Echoes of His Love,” a musical program that is being held at Riverton United Methodist Church and co-sponsored by a number of churches in our area. This musical program is a free, family friendly event. From what we have heard, it is also quite exceptional. The program begins promptly at 6:00 pm and we encourage you to arrive early as we expect this event will be very well attended.

And finally, we encourage you to worship at a local church on Easter Sunday. Many churches offer multiple worship services and a number of churches, including Rockland Community Church, also offer special Sunrise Services in case you want to get an extra early start at celebrating the Resurrection.