We are bombarded with bad news: the climate is changing, crime is rising, banks are failing, there are wars and riots around the world. We may be tempted to despair.

Consider some events 2000 from years ago. The Jewish people had an ancient kingdom based on sacred revelation. After a brief period of independence, the kingdom had split into two warring factions that were swallowed up by stronger neighbors. Some refugees returned to re-establish the kingdom, but they were in turn oppressed by Greek and then Roman conquerors. King Herod was a murderous usurper, and his successors were immoral puppets of Rome. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, ruled with an iron hand. Many thought that the religious authorities were corrupt, more interested in power and wealth than in duty to God. Some faithful groups moved to remote areas to practice their religion in peace. Many pleaded for God to do something.

God did something, but not what was expected. There was no lightning from heaven, no army of angels, no conquering hero. There was a preacher, Jesus, who told the crowds that God’s kingdom was coming. He said that God offered forgiveness of sins so that people could embrace a new life of loving relationship with God. Jesus went to the holy city of Jerusalem where he was greeted joyfully by many, but the religious leaders conspired with the Roman authorities to arrest and kill him. On the third day after his death, Jesus returned, transformed, and said he had conquered sin and evil and death and that his victory made possible the new life he had been talking about. Jesus’ followers traveled the world to share this good news. The world remained a place of war and oppression, but the new life offered by God was like a light to drive away the darkness of despair, hate, and fear.

That new life is available to us today. Come and learn about it. This Sunday, April 2, is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’s joyful entrance into Jerusalem. The following Sunday, April 9, is Easter, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. In between we have liturgies on Thursday April 6, recalling Jesus’ last supper with his followers, Friday April 7, recalling Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and Saturday April 8, a foretaste of Easter. Come and hear the whole story and find out why it is Good News.

Holy Week Schedule of Services

Palm Sunday April 2, 2023 – Litugy & Procession of Palms 10:00 am

Maundy Thursday April 6, 2023 – Eucharist & Vigil 6:30 pm

Good Friday April 7, 2023 – Stations of the Cross Noon & 6:30 pm

Easter Eve April 8, 2023 – New Light & Eucharist 6:30 pm

Easter Day April 9, 2023 – Easter Celebration 10:00 am