This week we journey together through the passion of Jesus and into resurrection and new life in Easter.

Come and worship.

We begin this evening at 7:00 with a simple liturgy of communion as we mark Maundy Thursday. The day takes its name from the Latin word that means "mandate," and this evening we recall the great commandment, or mandate, that Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper in John's gospel. It is the simple yet profoundly difficult call that we love one another just as Jesus loved. Come and worship.

Tomorrow evening at 7:00, in another simple liturgy of word and song, we recall Good Friday. Come and worship.

Then Sunday morning, celebrate new life and resurrection on Easter morning.

For each of these services we need some extra readers. Zip me an e-mail (revdocdee@gmail.com) to let me know if you'd like to join in worship leadership in that fashion. Also, on Easter Sunday we welcome you to bring flowers to decorate the sanctuary, and while the traditional lilies are welcome, feel free to branch out into the riotous colors of spring!

Come and worship!

peace,

David

Our annual Music and the Spoken Word Sunday will be on April 11, the Sunday after Easter. It's not too late to join the fun.

For that service, we invite you to share a reading or a piece of music that holds a special spiritual meaning for you, whether or not that item is considered "sacred" or "secular."  For example, past participants have read from favorite poems, novels, plays and essays, as well as favorite psalms, interpretations of Bible stories, and reflections by authors of religious texts.  We've had people share personal stories and have also had small-group skits performed.  Shared music pieces have ranged from live instrumental or vocal performances to prerecorded pieces on CD (a CD player will be provided).  This year, the choir will be performing a special selection or two and the Sunday school kids will also be singing.

Whatever you feel led to contribute, please let us know by this weekend, so that we will have time to assemble the program.  Contact Mike Bagwell at tnpava@yahoo.com or 703-931-0515.  In your message, include your name, the title of the piece you wish to share, the author or performer (as applicable) and the approximate length the piece will take to read, play or perform.

Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00pm, join us in watching and discussing The Power of Forgiveness, a documentary exploring the spiritual, psychological and physical effects of forgiveness.

From Northern Ireland to Ground Zero to the Amish countryside, featuring Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, best selling authors Thomas Moore and Marianne Williamson, the Reverend James Forbes and others, the film explores how forgiveness can transform your life.  Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 North Jackson St, Classroom A.  Please RSVP to Molly DeMaret-Tahu at mdemaret@comcast.net.

CPC, in conjunction with the Center for Pastoral Counseling, will offer a seven-session "life direction lab" experience beginning Sunday, April 18.

This small group experience, facilitated by David and the Rev. Dr. Kevin Ogle, is designed to help participants discover the deepest gifts and explore where those gifts meet the world's deep needs.

The experience has proved transformative in the lives of many past participants, and led to both deeper commitments to current vocation for many and significant vocational changes for others.

Registration is open now. For members of the Clarendon Presbyterian community, the cost of the program is $175, which is half off the regular cost.

We gather on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 - 7:00. If you'd like to part of the spring group, please e-mail me at revdocdee@gmail.com.

On Saturday, May 1st at 11:00am, CPC hosts a free Learning Through the Law Seminar on GLBT civil rights issues. The seminar will cover marriage law updates and contractual relationships (including civil unions and domestic partnerships) that can help protect you and your partner in areas such as inheritance, medical rights and reproductive rights. 

Presenters are licensed in MD, DC, and VA. Please RSVP to Molly DeMaret-Tahu by April 27th at mdemaret@comcast.net.