WITH CHRIST AT THE CENTER
APRIL 2023
CONNECTIONS OUR STUDENT CHOIR ATTENDED FESTIVAL BY THE SEA IN MYRTLE BEACH ON MARCH 3-5.
Journeying through Holy Week In the space of a few days, Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with cheers and hosannas, only to be betrayed to his death on a cross. We are called to follow him, to walk with him, to eat and drink with him, and to pray with him, as he humbles himself in obedience and surrender. Having journeyed together through Lent, we now immerse ourselves in the story of Jesus Christ. We experience the joy, the anger, the love, the betrayal, and the struggle of souls trying to know what to do – foreshadowing the horrific ending no one in the story really expected.
of “I Thirst,” to the despair of “My God Why Have You Abandoned Me?,” the acceptance of “Into Your Hands I Surrender,” and finally the resignation of “It is Finished.”
As we move from the celebrations of Palm Sunday into the intimate setting of Maundy Thursday, our Sanctuary Choir will present “Seven Last Words” by Michael John Trotta. This seven-movement choral journey through the Passion delivers a powerful and captivating story, encompassing a breathtaking palette of emotion. From the tender mercy of “Father, Forgive Them” to the hopefulness of the promise of “Today You Will Be With Me,” the work unfolds to reveal a complex tapestry of states of emotion. It builds from the compassion of “Behold, Your Son” and the yearning
At 7 p.m., our Sanctuary Choir will lead us in worship through a musical offering of “Seven Last Words.” As part of our Maundy Thursday worship in the Sanctuary, we will share the Lord’s Supper together.
Please join us for this evening of music and worship. The work will be presented in English and promises to be a great gift to our community. Be sure to invite friends, family and neighbors. MAUNDY THURSDAY A Service of Footwashing, done in obedience to Christ’s command in John 13, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
GOOD FRIDAY Come reflect at the foot of the cross as we remember together Jesus’ last hours. Join us at 12 p.m. on the Front Lawn near Randolph Road. EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE As we gather on the lawn outside of the columbarium at 6:45 a.m., the veil of morning’s darkness still upon the world, we come seeking our Lord. The darkness of death and sin are
expelled by light – this is the glorious and wondrous day of the resurrection! EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP Christ’s resurrection guides us into newness of life, which is life here and now, but with renewed hope of the life to come! With this new perspective, we become Easter people – Christ’s body (the Church) – raised to walk together, redeemed to share in the life of God. Easter people, raise your voices, sounds of heaven in earth should ring. Christ has brought us heaven’s choices; heavenly music, let it ring. Alleluia! Alleluia! Easter people, let us sing.
Timothy Hill
EASTER ROCK HUNT Come join the fun on April 8! Search the Providence campus for rocks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Turn your collection in for prizes. Find the golden rock and win the ultimate prize! Invite friends and family to join the search and the fun! We will begin promptly at 10 a.m. at the Activity Center.