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From the Vicar...
An important affirmation at this time of change
In a way, this time of transition and change in our life as Trinity and Christ churches is something of a movement from the "Lent" of our common ministry into a new phase, its "Eastertide." In a way, that transition, that movement, is a metaphor for what our congregations face in the time ahead.
Right now, we are in the "Lent" of looking within ourselves as priest and community and realizing that things are likely to change - possibly dramatically - as we live into our shared ministry more deeply. The time will come, however, when we cross over from that initial self-examination to a new phase, a "rising" phase, in which that which we have been will pass away, and that which we are called to be will begin to more fully emerge.
One of the most significant liturgical moments of the Christian year falls at that fulcrum
moment when Lent ends and Easter begins. It is the Great Vigil of Easter, when we light the hopeful New Fire of Easter even as darkness continues, for a time, to surround us. We proclaim Christ risen even when he doesn't seem very risen yet. We linger a while in the darkness to hear once again the prophecies of the Hebrew Testament.
What happens next in that liturgy is the very centerpiece of what the Lent/Easter cycle of seasons is all about: Having heard God's promises to us, we reaffirm our commitment to those promises even before we celebrate their fulfillment. We are still in darkness - and yet, then and there, still no "Alleluias" yet said or sung, we reaffirm our Baptismal Covenant. What an act of faith! What an act of hope! To commit - even though we have yet to hear, "He is risen!"
The Baptismal Covenant we reaffirm that night is comprised of two parts. The first part is of course the Creed laid out in question and answer form, divided into three parts for each Person of the Trinity. The second part contains five questions and answers. Each question asks something of the believer. Each question invites us into a deeper place with our souls, with those around us and with God. This is a Covenant, not a confession. Our faith is based upon a relationship, not a dogma. That relationship is expressed in our manner of living and our connection to each other - especially in a time like now.
If you've been to the Great Vigil of Easter, you know what happens next in that most beautiful liturgy of the year: Almost before our words of commitment and affirmation are out of our mouths, the lights go on, and the altar in its Easter glory is revealed, and we ring our bells of joy! Lent is over! Easter is here! Alleluia!
Can I ask you to make it a point to be there that night? I know for some of you, particularly at Trinity, this may be an entirely new experience. But it's important enough that I'm asking you to come up to Christ Church and join us.
Can I ask you to join your Christian family in reaffirming the Covenant we share as God's people? This will be our first Easter Vigil together as priest and people - let's make it one that moves our souls and helps us see the transition from Lent to Easter that lies ahead for each of us as we await the "rising" God has in store.
Praying I'll see you at the Great Vigil,
Fr. Chip
Our Lenten Program Concludes with a Joint Conversation...
Toward a New Shared Ministry Covenant
When: Saturday, March 23, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Where: St. George's Episcopal Church, York Harbor, Maine
This week, our Lenten series, "Finding Our Purpose: Toward a More Deeply Shared Ministry," draws to a close with a joint session drawing together the Bishop's Committees and members of both of our congregations. All members of both churches are invited and encouraged to come. We will share the results of the conversations held thus far in our Bishop's Committee retreat and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings - and begin outlining a path forward based on our understandings, dreams, and hopes.
This final session will be held at St. George's, York Harbor, Maine - the same location where our Bishop's Committees first met to start this joint conversation. Our hope is that by meeting on "neutral ground" we can set aside any distractions that might keep us from coming to a deeper level of reflection and understanding. This is truly "Holy Work," as we listen not only to one another, but to the Spirit.
Directions to St. George's
From I-95, take Exit 7 (last exit before tollbooths). Turn south on Route 1 for ¼ mile. Turn left at light onto Route 1A (York Street). St. George's is about 2 miles in on the right at 407 York St., a gray-shingle building. The parking entrance is just before the church.
Holy Week and Easter Service Schedule
Passion (Palm) Sunday - March 24
8:45 am Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist - Trinity Church
10:30 am Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist - Christ Church
The Paschal Triduum: The "Three Great Days"
The Paschal Triduum, also called the Easter Triduum, begins Maundy Thursday, and ends at the conclusion of the Easter Day liturgy. It commemorates the heart of our faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At its heart is the Great Vigil of Easter, the high point of the Triduum.
The word Triduum comes from the Latin word meaning "three days." It commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist, the passion, crucifixion, and death of our Lord, his descent to the dead, and finally his glorious resurrection on Easter morning, all as essentially one great liturgy divided into parts:
Maundy Thursday March 28th - 7:00 PM AT CHRIST CHURCH
Maundy Thursday begins the Triduum. Although we have separate services on these days, they are tied together by the fact that there is no dismissal until the end of the Easter Vigil. This day is a time for remembering the Last Supper. The name comes from the Latin word maundatum for "commandment" as Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment: that you love one another." At the conclusion of this service, the altar is stripped and the reserved Sacrament removed to mark the solemnity of the occasion.
Good Friday - March 29
2:00 STATIONS AT CHRIST CHURCH; 7:00 LITURGY AT TRINITY CHURCH
We begin the liturgy for Good Friday the same way we end the Maundy Thursday Liturgy: in silence. What begins Maundy Thursday continues this day as we journey with our Savior from the Last Supper, the stripping and humiliation, to the cross and tomb. Good Friday is the second day of the Triduum, and is marked with austerity, silence and reflection. The chancel itself is bare. Everything focuses on our adoration of the crucified Christ, reigning from the throne of the cross.
Easter Eve - March 30
The Great Vigil Of Easter 7:30 PM AT CHRIST CHURCH
The climax of the sacred Triduum that begins on Maundy Thursday is reached in this service which abounds in ancient imagery that evokes responses from deep within the human spirit: darkness and light, death and life, chaos and order, slavery and freedom. This service begins in darkness, when a new fire is lit, from which the Paschal (Easter) Candle is lighted. It signifies the light of Christ coming into the world anew at the resurrection. A series of scripture readings recount the history of our salvation. The renewal of baptismal vows follows. The service closes with the first Eucharist of Easter. Reminder: If you have one, please bring a bell!
Easter Day - March 31
6:15 am Ecumenical Sunrise Service - North Beach, Hampton
8:45 am Trinity Church 10:30 am Christ Church
On Easter Day, the church completes its Three Great Days of celebrating redemption. Since Maundy Thursday, the community of faith has been involved in an extended liturgy which is brought to its conclusion at the Festival Eucharist of Easter Day. This is the celebration of the Passover of Christ from death into life. The Easter Day services in both churches will feature Hymns of the Resurrection and the Vicar's Easter message.
Holy Week notes
Ecumenical Good Friday Service - During the first of the three hours of Our Lord's suffering on the Cross, South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth, will host an ecumenical service of readings and meditations. Our Vicar is one of the clergy participants; lay participants are invited as well.
Fr. Chip | 
