Looking ahead to the Triduum (the great three days before Easter)

Dear St. Andrew’s community, 

It was wonderful to see so many of you on Palm Sunday! I hope you will be here during the coming three days (the Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday). And, of course, we will see you on Easter Sunday, the glorious feast of the Resurrection! The full schedule is found on the "Events" section of the website. 

Tonight’s Eucharist and potluck dinner in the Parish Hall will be a new experience for me. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always observed the Maundy Thursday worship in the church, with the pews, altar and decor familiar from regular Sunday worship. Taking part in a meal as part of the worship is something that I’ve not often done either. 

In my experience, though, it is so often during new or unexpected experiences that our minds are opened to the possibility of acknowledging the presence of God in new ways. Our worship and meal tonight will incorporate our congregation’s key strengths of welcome and hospitality into familiar tradition, as we return to the sanctuary for the stripping of the altar, and then disperse silently, keeping watch awhile, if we may, at the Vigil. 

As you walk the Way of the Cross with Jesus on these three great days of the year, know that you are not alone. We walk together as a congregation. Keep each other in prayer during this time, mindful of particular needs for prayer, and pray for our whole community. 

Yours in Christ, 
Jake+