As I write this, I am still basking in the glory of Holy Week and Easter services at McMurry and Avondale United Methodist Churches. On the evening of April 2, we met at Avondale for Holy Thursday worship. During the service we had the opportunity to wash each other's hands, calling to mind how Jesus washed his disciples' feet and charged us to do the same. Remembering Jesus' institution of the Last Supper, we celebrated Holy Communion together.
The next night was Good Friday. We met at McMurry for a service of Tenebrae. Tenebrae is Latin for "shadows" or "darkness." Beginning with 15 lit candles at the start of the service,
candles were extinguished after each Scripture reading and song. The house lights were also dimmed a bit to emphasize the growing darkness as Jesus died and was buried. We then spent a few minutes sitting at the foot of the cross while I played a few songs on the harmonica. We departed in silence to respect the reverence of the moment.
As the weekend continued, a number of folks got up very early on Sunday morning and gathered in the portico at Avondale. A bonfire had been lit and helped keep us warm since the
temperature was a bit cool. The Christ Candle was lit from the bonfire. Folks in attendance all had little candles which were lit from the Christ Candle. We then processed into the sanctuary while singing "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies." Using Scripture and Song, we heard the story of God's loving acts of salvation beginning first with the Creation and leading all the way to the Resurrection of Christ. After the service, we gathered in Avondale's Wesley Hall for a potluck breakfast. A great meal was had by all. Several people then went downstairs to the food pantry and put together food boxes for distribution on Wednesday.
I can't speak for what Avondale did during their regular Easter worship service, but we at McMurry had a big celebration of Christ's Resurrection. More than 70 people attended. The choir sang 2 numbers: the anthem and the postlude. I showed a magic trick to the children to illustrate how Jesus' body was buried in the tomb on Friday but was not there on Sunday morning. We celebrated Holy Communion with a big loaf of bread so that there was enough for everyone. After the service we had a special edition of our 1st Sunday Breaking Bread lunch. Shelly Donnini and family served up ham & cheese sliders, potato salad, and cake. What a great way to cap off a truly blessed morning.
Postscript: you may be wondering when I will write in the Chimes about my upcoming move. I plan to do that next week. Until then, Happy Easter and see you in church!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Clayton