Dear Siblings,

Yesterday evening (Maundy Thursday) a little more than a dozen of us gathered in the Fellowship Hall for an hour of reflection, food, and fellowship. Tonight, I hope you’ll be with us Rev. Liz and Will Hiltman lead us in the Good Friday narrative.

I really do believe that this week is different than every other week. The stories are familiar, yes. But the opportunity is new with every encounter. Yes, Holy Week is the start of something new. You’ll hear more about this on Easter Sunday, but I actually think that Easter may be one of the scariest days of the year! This is particularly true for folks who hold inordinate amounts of power and responsibility in the world.

During Holy Week, the height of power for earthly empires and the Kingdom of Heaven are both on full display— the power to determine death and the power to overcome it. Of course, we know how the story ends.

The title of our sermon on Sunday is “Overwhelmed.” which is both a reflection of how the Tennessee Vols played last Sunday in the Elite 8 and, more importantly, it’s the consummate reality of the love of God.

Please join us on Easter Sunday! We’ll have our potluck breakfast at 9:30, Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15, and worship will begin promptly at 11:00. If needed, we’ll announce a rain plan for the egg hunt during breakfast. 

As for worship, I’m so excited that our hymns will be accompanied with trumpet sounds this year. And, we’ll close worship with our tradition of singing the Hallelujah chorus. See you tonight and on Sunday morning.

Alleluia(almost),

Thomas