The holy busyness of Holy Week

April 2016 Newsletter Article

Holy Week is always a busy time in the life of any church. This year, however, First Christian Church positively bustled with activity. Starting on Palm Sunday the men and women of our congregation came together to do some amazing things. It was an absolute whirlwind, but at the same time a true blessing to behold.

The week began with Pam Horton and the children leading a procession into worship recreating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Every member of the congregation was given a palm branch to wave. Janice Barney and Debbie Crane decorated the sanctuary beautifully, as they did repeatedly throughout the week.. It was a great way to set the mood for everything that would transpire over the next several days.

On Tuesday a hard working crew from the Evening Ladies Fellowship gathered in the Disciple Center to pack Easter dinner kits for families who might otherwise not be able to afford a holiday meal. The next day several others transported the kits across town and delivered them to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. In the midst of all that hard work, Kristi Booker organized the stuffing of over 700 plastic eggs for our children’s Easter egg hunt. It was a great way to combine fellowship and service to the community.

The Triduum (Latin for “Three Great Days”) commemoration began on Maundy Thursday. Nona Robinson, Darrell Orr, Bob Barney, Donna Speck and Bobby Garner shared the story of Jesus’ last supper. The choir sang and we shared the Lord’s Supper together. On Good Friday we held a joint service with First Presbyterian Church. A combined choir sang three songs. Lily Williams, Kendal Mouser, Carolyn Bell, Linda Dowdy and Rev. Tom Bass read the Passion narrative with an intensity that was amazing to behold. There were very few dry eyes left in the congregation.

Vigil Saturday was spent preparing for the Resurrection on Easter. The wait came to a symbolic end with the Sunrise Service in Bob and Janice Barney’s garden. Parker Vanslyke played the trumpet and Jansen Williams shared her talents on the keyboard. Sean and Debbie Vanslyke lead us in a prayer of thanksgiving. The weather was slightly crisp, but otherwise beautiful. People brought dishes to share and we enjoyed a delicious brunch while watching the kids hunt for hundreds of eggs.

The highlight of the week was the Easter service itself. We had a more than full house. Several out of town members of the congregation made it back for the holiday. Jansen Williams sang a solo. Kellie Reese retold the Resurrection story to an entire chancel full of kids. Getting to see the joy and excitement on everyone’s face as we shared communion was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in ministry.

More than anything, I would like to thank everyone who helped make that week so special. Thank you to Debbie and Janice for organizing the services. Thank you to Kim Williams for all the work on bulletins and music. Robin Reiffer did a great job leading the choir. Vocalists from both churches shared their talents. It was truly a team effort. There are probably others whom I have overlooked. Thank you all for everything you did and for sharing your time and energy with us.