Grains of Sand Holy Week 2009
Grains Of Sand
Spring-Easter
April~May 2009
A Description of Holy Week…
Holy Week is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. During this week we recall the events of the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
The week begins with The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday. There are two parts to this day: the first, the Liturgy of the Palms, is the re-enactment of Jesus’ triumphal entry into
On Maundy Thursday we honor the final Passover Jesus celebrated with his disciples. The name Maundy is a shortened form of the Latin words ‘mandatum novum’ – meaning ‘new commandment’. Two commands are given this day: first, “Love one another as I have loved you” commemorating Jesus’ washing of the feet of his disciples; second, “Do this in remembrance of me”, commonly referred to as the institution of the Lord’s Supper. This will be our last celebration of the Eucharist before Easter. As the Maundy Thursday liturgy draws to a close, the altar is stripped and lights are dimmed, creating the sense of loss which followers of Jesus felt as he was taken away.
On Good Friday we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. This year we will be offering a service called ‘Tenebrae’. Tenebrae is a focused meditation that remembers Christ’s Passion. Taking its name from the Latin word for ‘darkness’ or ‘shadows’, this service of readings and responses is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of lights and candles, with one sole candle remaining – which symbolizes Christ. The candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a loud noise is made – symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:2). The hidden candle is restored to its place and by its light all depart in silence.
In the early church, the Great Vigil of Easter was the final stage for those who would be baptized following a long preparation – sometimes over three years, and the Vigil lasted throughout the night. The Great Vigil is the first service of Easter Day and is customarily celebrated between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning. For the ancient Jews, and thus for the early Jewish Christians, sunset marked the beginning of the new day. The Great Vigil always has four parts: The Service of Light – we move from darkness into light; The Service of Lessons – we recall our salvation history; Baptism – the Easter Vigil was the principal time of baptisms in the early church. No other day of the church year so powerfully reinforces the concept of baptism as the Passover from death into life. The Holy Eucharist – so begins the greatest high feast of the Church as we celebrate the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, when the bonds of death and hell are broken.
In the light of morning, we celebrate Easter Day as we gather to sing the great hymns of Easter, to offer prayers of thanksgiving, to break bread together, and to celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection and the offer of new life for each of us.
I hope you can make time to walk through this powerful week with the rest of your faith community. After observing the season of Lent, and experiencing the services of Holy Week, your Easter celebration will take on new meaning – and, hopefully – transformation in your own life with God in Christ.
Holy Week and Easter
Palm/Passion Sunday – April 5th, 9:45 a.m.
Blessing and Distribution of Palms with Holy Eucharist.
Maundy Thursday – April 9th, 5:45 p.m.
Agape Dinner, Holy Eucharist, and
Stripping of the Altar
We gather for a meal and Eucharist together. During the service we will have the ‘washing of the feet’. Six people are being invited to have their feet washed to symbolize how Jesus washed his disciples’ feet – and how we are called to serve others. If you would like to volunteer for this, speak to Sally Maxwell. The meal is potluck. Please sign up to bring a meatless hotdish or salad. Following Eucharist and our meal, we will go into the church for the stripping of the altar.
Children’s Good Friday Event, April 10th,
9:30-11:30 a.m., at St. Andrew’s ~~
~~Easter Eggs & Easter Symbols
All children in pre-school through 5th grade are invited. Come listen to the story of Easter and Easter eggs, and learn about the symbols used to decorate them. Decorate your own eggs or make a cross to take home. Please sign up on the list in the Mission Hall if your children will attend, so we know how many to prepare for.
Good Friday, April 10th, 7:00 p.m.
A service of Tenebrae will be held in the church. This is a liturgy of readings and responses done in the ‘darkness’ or ‘shadows’. See the description on page 1. Bring a flashlight so you see the readings.
The Great Vigil of Easter, Sat., April 11th, 7 p.m.
The first fire is lit and we begin our worship in the light of a single candle, just as we left the night before from Tenebrae. Lessons of our salvation story will be read by a variety of people – adults, children, teens. We will have two baptisms – Lilly and Wyatt Oliver. The first Eucharist of Easter will be celebrated. Following the liturgy, we will have the first party of Easter! Sign up in the Mission Hall to bring appetizers or desserts or beverages. Bring a flashlight so you can read the responses in the dark. And…a bell so you can make lots of noise when the lights come on!
Easter Sunday, April 12th, 9:45 a.m.
In the morning light of a new day, we celebrate the Risen Christ – and all the ways we are transformed into Oneness with God in our own lives. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated and we will have special music by the adult choir and other musicians.
************
A Story…
A church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I’ve heard something like 3,000 sermons. For the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time and the clergy are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all. This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor.
It went on for weeks until someone wrote this: “I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this…they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”
************
Art and Spirituality
The Art and Spirituality Group has been responsible for the placement and hanging of the pictures and banners you see thus far in the Mission Hall. They have been very intentional about the choice of pictures and the message they offer. There is a theme that ties together each grouping.
The Art and Spirituality Group is planning an art exhibit to be held next fall for visual artists in our St. Andrew’s community. The theme of the exhibit is “Transformation” – to coincide with the structural renewal of our building and the spiritual renewal that has been energized.
All art media will be accepted, including drawing and painting, fiber, photography, ceramics, etc. Each submission will include an artist’s statement to indicate how the concept of transformation is reflected in the art as it relates to the artist’s faith life or journey.
There will be some limitations as to size and number of pieces depending on available space. All details will be announced as plans develop, but we encourage visual artists to begin thinking about their contributions. If you have questions, speak to Arlene Renken. The next meeting of the Art Committee will be April 19th.
Christian Formation Opportunities
Eclipsing Empire: Paul,
23, and 30. Class goes from 6:15-8:15 p.m.
There are ‘on location’ DVD segments that show where Paul traveled. Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan offer background information about the life and times of Paul. Each session includes a Bible Study from one of the Pauline Letters. Even if you didn’t make the first three sessions, you are welcome to come to the last three.
The Feminine Face of God. This offering is in the planning stages, but it will be offered in three sessions in May. Stay tuned for dates, time, and descriptive information.
Confirm Not Conform (CnC) continues to meet the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We will be meeting in April, May, June.
Urban Adventure for the teens will be July 12,13,14 (alternative will be 13,14,15).
Please set aside these dates – more information coming.
************
We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
************
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
************
WHEN DOING TOO MUCH IS A SIN…….
The Rev. Canon Cara Spacerelli has given permission to reprint this article. She wrote it for the ‘Outlook’ at St. Mark’s Cathedral,
It’s Lent so it’s time to talk about sin and repentance. Sure, we sin all year round, but Lent is the time that people expect to hear a few sermons about the need to identify the things in our life that block us from God and the need to repent from them. Too many sermons during the year about such things, and emails start to pile up about the sermons being too depressing. Lent is the time where we are supposed to feel bad, well, maybe not bad, but at least embrace a little sacrifice and somberness in the spirit of preparation. There is much more to Lent and much more intricacies and depth to this very stereotypical portrayal, but, for the sake of the point of this piece, let’s move on.
There are seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. No, St. Mark’s has not suddenly switched denominations; the seven deadly sins have their roots back in the 4th century so it is our history too. In the Jr. High Sunday morning class last month, we played a sort of twist on six degrees of separation and tried to connect the sins we think of today to their roots in these seven. It’s a fun party game.
In seminary, we did not do much on the study of the seven deadly sins, so I was surprised to learn while reading Kathleen Norris’ latest book, Acedia and Me that the seven deadly sins started as the eight bad thoughts identified through the experience of monastics in the 4th century. Evagrius Ponticus, the 4th century monk who originally identified what became the seven deadly sins, pointed out that these bad thoughts were potentially destructive temptations. These bad thoughts, if not dealt with, could veer one off the path God called them to, thereby leaving one in a place of separation from God or sin. As the idea of the bad thoughts evolved they became more linked to actions than thoughts. Such an evolution makes sense when you consider that the church was trying to apply them to everyday life of most people whose struggles manifested themselves in actions rather than primarily staying as pervasive, yet just as destructive thoughts, as they did in the life of a monk.
The eighth bad thought – acedia, meaning lack of caring – was later incorporated into the sin of sloth as the understanding of the seven deadly sins evolved. It is this eighth thought that Norris focuses on and explores its destructive effect on us today. If you were to ask what sin our American culture on the whole struggled with most, I think it would be a toss up between pride and greed. Pride is an issue because of our emphasis on strength, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem; all good things in themselves, but they leave us susceptible to the sin of pride. Greed is an issue because we see the accumulation of goods as markers of success which leads us to identifying more with worth which then leads us back to the sin of pride. Never would I have considered sloth to be our sin, yet Norris points out ways that it is.
There are very few people in this world that I would consider lazy. Most adults are overworked by employment and family; most youth and children are overprogrammed by school, sports, and other extracurriculars. Laziness is not a problem in our pull yourself up by your bootstraps in the bloodstream of
Lent is a time of reflection. A reflection of seeing where our life has gotten off track and a time to reflect on how to move it back in the direction of the empty tomb. Back in the direction of Easter. How do our lives celebrate new life, hope, God’s eternal presence in this world? Those may be very esoteric questions, but they are also very tangible things. We are called to be a presence of hope and life reflecting God in this world, and when we stop to reflect, stop amidst our busy schedules, we know whether we are doing that or not. Doing more is not the same as doing enough. It’s time to engage with your life – it’s time to pay attention. It’s time to check-in and see where you are spiritually. And if you aren’t where you want to be, it’s time to move from passive indifference or passive caring, wherever you are, to engaged action.
I’m wary to supply a list of suggestions on how you can engage in such a way. Many of the easiest suggestions are adding another activity to your already overscheduled life. Show up here, read this. Yet that may simply add to a problem of busyness and lack of time for reflection and spiritual development. So, I end with this, make this Lent about evaluating where you are now – is this the life you want? Is this the life God wants for you? What needs to be let go of – mentally and/or on the calendar – to free up emotional energy or time to go in a new direction if that is where you are called? Make the adding on, make the new activities, make the new direction your focus for the season of Easter, the season of new life. Lent is for preparation.
************
For the gift of life,
of our life and each life,
thanks be to you, O God.
Open our hearts to gratitude.
Free our minds from greed.
Heal our lives with grace.
And awaken our souls again to generosity.
From: Celtic Treasure by Philip Newell
Catching Up With Our Teens
You see our teens and youth in church on Sundays, and we are blessed by their continuous presence and commitment to this faith community and their life in God. Here are some of the things they keep busy with outside of church!
Hannah Anderson – Performed in “Pride and Prejudice” as Mrs. Bennett. Just finished up her ACTs and SATs.
Willie Brakke – Played JV and Varsity Basketball at
John Hunn – Played in Basketball League this winter. Now out for Track and Field at East. Finishing up his Senior year! Accepted at St. Scholastica for next year.
Haley Little – Played JV and Varsity Basketball at
Alyson Lundberg – Busy with Orchestra and Choir at East.
Emily Oliver – Is on the Dance Team for
Madeline Stauber – Swimming for the YMCA Swim Team. Specializes in backstroke.
Sarah Johnson – Went to State in Cross Country Skiing this year! Made the All Conference Team (
Rachel Cheslak - Recently earned her drivers license. Congratulations!
Maggie Brakke – Danced with the Duluth Central Trojanettes this year. Lettered!!
Roxie Buck – Involved in Concert Orchestra Youth Symphony.
Nana Buck – Involved in Swim Team.
Joey Nichols – Ordean Swim Team –
Garrett Reedy – Played Basketball at Washburn Junior High and participated in Knowledge Bowl.
Mitch Autio – In Boy Scouts (working on badges). Will be playing in a Golf League at Lester this spring and summer. Just turned 13! Congrats!
Ian Maeshima – Participates in ‘Kenjutsu’ – a form of sword fighting.
Cody Johnson – Cross Country Skiiing at
Abby
Sadie Cheslak – Performing in “
Emilie Jacobs – Rock Climbing and will be learning Electric Guitar this summer.
Jacob Laundergan – Has been Downhill Skiing/Racing this winter.
Emily Autio – Just tried out for and made the “Ruby Line” at the
Jaina Thompson – Attending
John Brakke – Home from the U of M (Twin Cities). Life is pretty much study, classes, and some recreational basketball in his spare time.
Well…these were just a few of the activities I got wind of as they were preparing the pancake breakfast for us last week. You are an amazing group! Cindy
************
Blessing of the Renovation
Sunday, April 26, 2009
2:00 p.m.
The Rt. Rev. James Jelinek, Bishop of Minnesota, will join us for the Blessing of our Renovation. The service of blessing prayers and music will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Reception and Open House at 3:00 p.m. Hopefully, many of you can attend this joyous celebration! Those who live on the Point, make it a ‘point’ to invite your neighbors!! And the rest of us – likewise!! NOTE: We will be sending out invitations to many who made contributions to this effort. If you have a name of someone you’d like to receive a postcard invitation, please give the name & address to Jean Laundergan, Ellie Alspach, or Donna Elsbury.
Local Events
(to expand our understanding of cultural identity, historical background, and contemporary life.
Anishinaabe Gagiikwewinan, Ojibwe World View and Ways of Knowing – A series of evening discussions and presentations which started on Tuesday, March 24th. They continue each Tuesday through April 7th. All programs are free, open to the public, and begin at 7:00 p.m. in Somers Main Lounge,
March 31st – “The Ojibwe Sweat Lodge: Life Teachings and Cultural Revitalization”
April 7th – “Can Our Children and Grand-children Live the Good Life? Current Concerns.”
For more information: 723-5940 or www.css.edu.
Special Movie Preview of Older Than America, filmed in various locations of
UMD Summit on Equity, Diversity, and Multiculturalism – an all-day workshop with numerous breakout sessions addressing these topics. St. Andrew’s has a poster on display in the poster session. Keynote speaker is Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” Monday, March 30th, Kirby Ballroom-UMD. Free and open to the public. Register on line at www.d.umn.edu/umdoeo/diversity/summit.html.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
This year we have four seniors who will be graduating from local high schools. They are: Sarah Johnson (
IMPORTANT DATES FOR TEENS
Teens and Parents – two upcoming events to mark on your calendars – as they will be major fundraisers for the 2010 Pilgrimage:
Brat Sale (during Rummage Sale) – June 12 & 13 (Fri-Sat)
Popcorn Stand at the Park Point Art Fair – June 27 & 28 (Sat-Sun)
Urban Adventure (July 12, 13, 14)
Brian will be asking for you to offer time on those dates to make these events successful. The more we can raise, the less the trip will cost for each person. Thanks!
Healing Prayer Station on Third Sunday
Some folks have expressed a wish for “healing prayer” – a time when one can pray privately with a minister and address personal needs for healing, be it physical or spiritual healing. Healing prayer is a time for prayers for self and for others. It may also include anointing and “laying on of hands”. A prayer station will be offered at St. Andrew’s after church in the front of the sanctuary. We will start by offering this ministry on the 3rd Sunday of the month, a few minutes after the service has ended. Gather in the sanctuary after church. (Sally Maxwell)
Young Adults to Gather
Once summer comes and more of St. Andrew’s young adults return home (and more have graduated from high school!), there will be times for young adults and friends to gather and to worship as a group. Watch for more news on this later in the spring. Young adults are encouraged to think about what kind of ministry you want to be a part of: for you/by you/and in Christ. ? Let (Rev.) Sally know of your ideas.
************
Dear friend, listen well to my words,
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live,
Really live; body and soul,
they’re bursting with health.
Proverbs 4:20-22
************
CALENDAR
Palm/Passion Sunday April 5th (9:45 a.m.)
Maundy Thursday, April 9th (5:45 p.m.)
Children’s Good Friday Event – April 10th (9:30 a.m.)
Good Friday – April 10th (7 p.m.)
Great Vigil of Easter – April 11th (7 p.m.)
Easter Sunday – April 12th (9:45 a.m.)
Eclipsing Empire (adult educ) April 16,23,30 (6:15 p.m.)
Blessing of the Renovation – April 26th (2 p.m.)
MSN Convocation – May 2nd (
CnC – April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
Bishop’s Committee – April 13th, May 11th, June 8th
Pentecost Sunday – May 31st
Region 2 – June 6th, 9:00-12:00 @ St. Andrew’s
Senior High Grad Celebration – June 7th
Friday Prayer Group – April 10, May 8, June 12
Friday Prayer Group – April 10th, 5:45 p.m.
Normally we meet in the morning, but on this date there will be a children’s event. The Prayer Group will meet at 5:45 p.m. for a light supper and conversation, preceding the Good Friday Liturgy (Tenebrae) which begins at 7 p.m.
