Holy Week

 

Sunday, March 28, is Palm and Passion Sunday, which is the start of Holy Week. We’ll be blessed with a recorded worship service at 9:45 a.m. that includes lots of music – a cantata called “What Kind of King?” along with readings, children’s time, sermon and prayer. Join us online. We’ll have only recorded worship on Palm Sunday and on Easter, April 4.

So, Holy Week is almost here. Sometimes by now I’m tired of Lent, of the disciplines I’ve chosen. This year, though, since I made the commitment to give thanks throughout my days – to stop and notice small things and say, “Thank you, God, for …” I don’t want Lent to end. I’ve found such joy in giving thanks for small things. I feel like this is shaping me and helping me know that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (This verse from Philippians 4:13 guides our sermon on Sunday). I am excited about Holy Week and am waiting to see what God has in store for us throughout the week and on Easter.

On April 11, we begin our transition to in-person worship with outdoor worship on our west patio at 9 a.m. You do not need to register. Just come, bring a chair and wear a mask. Recorded worship will continue as usual at 9:45 a.m. In May we are planning for both outdoor and indoor worship in our Sanctuary.

Don’t forget to come to church this Sunday, March 28, for our drive-through event, “Journey to the Cross,” from noon-2 p.m.

Every day during Holy Week I’ll write a devotion that I hope will guide our journey from Palm Sunday to Easter. I imagine that Philippians 4:13 and prayers of thanks will show up in those.

My love is with you as we begin this Holy Week journey. Come to our Meditation Gardens and walk the way of the cross. You’ll be blessed by that.

Christ’s peace, Sharon

P.S. Even though Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has removed many COVID-related restrictions, at St. Mark’s we will continue to be guided by our reopening plan and CDC guidelines, moving gradually toward reopening our campus for worship and other activities, and we will continue to require masks and distancing for some time when we are on campus. Our Genesis Team, which includes the pastors and other leaders, reviews COVID-19 data every week and guides us in implementing our reopening plan.

Worship at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays at umcstmarks.org/live-worship; Facebook St. Mark’s UMC Tucson; YouTube UMC St. Mark’s Oro Valley. You can also watch the services at a later time.