It feels odd that Holy Week begins this coming Monday. Most years it’s a sense of surprise, something like, “I can’t believe it’s already Holy Week!” This year, however, there is not much surprise. When suspension of public worship was announced most of us had the same thought, “Would we be back together in time for Easter and Holy Week?” When it became apparent that we would not be able to then we began wondering, “What now?” The calendar became ever present in our minds this year. It feels odd because it will look different this year.
There are now resources on our website under the “Worshipping from Home Toolbox” for us to utilize during the 3 main observances of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and The Great Vigil. These resources have been put together specifically for the current times, knowing that we would unable to leave our homes to observe this most holy week together; myself and other clergy in our diocese have adapted them specifically for Episcopal use. It is my hope that you will utilize these resources in your own home during those days. If you do, I can assure you that you will be joining with many Christians in their homes.
If you do follow this observance, then I have an invitation for you. I know many of you have places in your homes that you dedicate for prayer. If you do not have such a space I invite you into this opportunity to create one. If you’d like some ideas or a bit of direction on how to go about making this space, you will find guidance by following this link to my blog, ” As Grain Once Scattered.” It is my great hope that each of us will dedicate such spaces in our homes. If you do have such a space, or if you create one in the coming days, consider taking a picture of that space and sharing it with all of us. In this way while we cannot be together at St. Paul’s we can nonetheless see where everyone else is observing Holy Week. Please send your pictures to Julie Martin at webmaster@spechurch.com. Julie will compile them on our website where we all may have access to them. It is my hope that this will enable us to feel connected to one another in this time of distancing.
I pray each of you are well and that your families are healthy and safe. I give thanks to God for technology that enables us to stay connected. Enjoy creating your sacred spaces and sharing them with all us.
God’s Peace,
The Rev. Adam Pierce