My father's last words to Hilary were: "Do you know what today is?  Today is the day I am going home."  My mom's last words to Andrew were: "God will guide you on what to do."  We remember last words because they pack power and so often define a person's life.  Jesus' last words are the most famous last words of all, the seven last words from the cross.

This Lent we will look at those last words and see what they reveal about Jesus and what they reveal about ourselves.  Traditionally churches have done Good Friday services in which seven preachers from the community preached on each of the seven last words during a three hour service from noon to three, the time that Jesus was on the cross.  This year I have invited some good friends in ministry to share with us on our Wednesday evenings in Lent (as well as the first Sunday).   They will share some of their story and reflect on the meaning of the words for that week.  We will couple this with a Sunday message where I will preach on the seven last words.  I am really excited for HRC to meet these folks and I look forward to how God will speak to each of you through these words.  

Here is the schedule:

Date: February 13, 2013 (Ash Wednesday) 7:30 PM (no dinner)

Preacher: Taylor Holbrook

Musician: Wes Joseph and Choir

Date: February 17, 2013 Sunday (Hopewell Campus)

Preacher: Jeff Munroe-Western Seminary

Musicians: Wes Joseph and Choir

Word from the Cross: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing

Date: February 20, 2013 Wednesday 6:30 pm Meal; 7:15pm Worship

Preacher: Church Jim Kirk- Immanuel CRC and now River Towns Church, Hastings on Hudson

Musician: Chris Lueck and Christina Congi

Word from the Cross: "Today you will be with me in paradise." 

Date: February 27, 2013 Wednesday 6:30 pm Meal; 7:15pm Worship

Preacher: Lou Federico Vineyard Community Church

Musician: Lynette Jee

Word from the Cross: "Woman, here is your son....Here is your mother"

Date: March 6, 2013 Wednesday 6:30 pm Meal; 7:15pm Worship

Preacher: Steve Dambra-Odyssey

Musician: Tony Congi

Word from the Cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Date: March 13, 2013 Wednesday 6:30 pm Meal; 7:15pm Worship

Preacher: Nester Gomez- Confartenidad Christiana Liamados a Servir, Yorktown Heights

Musician: Linda Smith

Word from the Cross: "I Am Thirsty"

Date: March 20, 2013 Wednesday 6:30 pm Meal; 7:15pm Worship

Preacher: Greg Williamson-Valley Christian

Musician: Cyndy Warren

Word from the Cross: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

Date: March 29, 2013 (Good Friday) 7:30 PM (no meal)

Preacher: Mark Mast (HRC)

Musician: Wes Joseph and the Choir

Text: John 19:28-35; Word from the Cross: "It is finished"

It will be great to meet some of these pastors from churches that are connected in ministry with Hopewell. and I am sure these words will have power and impact in your life.

In Him,

Taylor