Bob & Donna Weber, Mickey Federico, Yasso Herath, Peter Lubeck, Catherine Lubeck, Shirley Federico, Courtney Hoenveld, Janet, Thomas Humeston, Elaine MacPhee, Tankert Mahler, Marie Haynie, Jack Seeman, Evelyn, Miranda Pinckert, Adele, Clinton Taplin, Dominique Rhoklin, Fred Teyan, Marie Stay, Marie Young, Peggy, Madeline Schnalzer, Peter Zakrepine, Betty Mettler, Marvin Spruck, Jeannie, Lyn Casey, Rosemarie Buri, Louise Bohr, Carl, Meredith Gilmor, Sally Sarvent, Alexandra Mettler, Barbara DelPizzo, Sharon, Sophie Weber, John, Helen Scalici, Rosemary Owen, Kathleen Hoenveld, Betty Wolfe, Terrence Berg, Veronica, Gail
REST IN PEACE: Moriah Marston, Konrad Woermann
Readings [We are using Track 2 of the indicated readings.]
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection
See, we are no different than the shouting crowds - those that do the right thing for the wrong reason or those who do the wrong thing for the right reason. There is no better class of improved people. There are just people.
And as soon as we think the good news is that we know better than those caught up in into the tragic events of that first Holy Week, we are mistaken. As soon as we think the good news is that we now know how to do the right things and for the right reasons we are mistaken.
Because it had to happen like this. When the Pharisees told Jesus to stop his disciples from such an embarrassing display, he said that were they to stop even the stones would cry out. So there had to be crowds who shout praise and friends who betrayed and followers who denied and women who wept and soldiers who mocked and thieves who believed. It would have happened like this even if the Jesus event were happening now instead of then. Even if we knew everything in advance - were we the ones on the street we too would shout Hosanna and a few days later shout crucify him. And that's the good news when it comes down to it. Because these people of the Holy Week story are we people. And we people are the likes of which God came to save. God did not become human and dwell among us as Jesus to save only an improved, doesn't make the wrong choices kind of people. There is no improved version of humanity that could have done any differently. So go ahead. Don't wait until you think your motivations are correct. Don't wait till you are sure you believe every single line of the Nicene creed (no one does). Don't worry about coming to church this week for the right reasons. Just wave branches. Shout praise for the wrong reason. Eat a meal. Have your feet washed. Grab at coins. Shout Crucify him. Walk away when the cock crows. Because we, as we are and not as some improved version of ourselves...we are who God came to save. And nothing can stop what's going to happen.
Want a way to keep your palms handy? CLICK HERE for instructions on folding into a cross.
This Week
Are you on the worship ministry schedule for Holy Week & Easter? CLICK HERE to find out.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
10:00am Vestry Retreat (offsite)
PALM SUNDAY, March 29
8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:30am Holy Eucharist - The Path of Christ
11:00am - Procession of the Palms & Holy Eucharist 12:15 Rehearsal for Easter Vigil
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, April 1 6:00pm Healing & Wellness service (Bradley Chapel)
Maundy Thursday, April 2 Noon Bible Study (Patterson Hall) There is no Graceful Yoga this week
The sanctuary will be open from 8:00am to noon during the week for those who would like to pray or meditate.
Announcements & Reminders
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS - Deadline is this Sunday
Envelopes for your Easter Flower memorials are available in the narthex. Requests need to be received by next Sunday, March 29, to be included in Easter bulletins. You may drop your envelope in the offering plate, or phone/email your request to the office and mail your donation to us.
EASTER VIGIL Following our Easter Vigil service on Saturday, April 4, we celebrate the arrival of Easter with a festive reception in Memorial Hall. Do you have a favorite spring sweet or savory treat that you'd like to share for the reception -- maybe something featuring those delights you may have given up for Lent? If so, just get in touch with Kris Burns at kmpburns@optonline.net or 845-405-1203 or look for sign-up sheets during coffee hour.
GRACEFUL YOGA Graceful Yoga will not meet on Thursday, April 2 -- we'll be back on Thursday the 9th.
FIRST MEETING OF THE GRACE CHURCH DRUM CIRCLE
Our new Drum Circle will gather for the first time on Sunday, April 12 at 1:00pm in Bradley Chapel.
No experience necessary - just come, learn, jam, dance, and have fun. Open to all ages.
NURSERY SCHOOL OF THE NYACKS SPAGHETTI DINNER
The Nursery School of the Nyacks - who keep our church school area full of life during on weekdays - will be hosting a fundraising spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 11 from 5-7:30pm in Memorial Hall. Tickets are $10 adults/$8 seniors/$5 children 10 & under. Tickets for 50/50 raffle and bake sale will also be available for additional cost. All are welcome!
Parting Thought
Goodness by Kathleen Norris
Despite our good deeds, the chatter of our best intentions, our many kindnesses, God is at work in us, close to the bone, past the sinews of our virtues, to the marrow we cannot feel, the sudden, helpless tears when we know what we are, and can go on.
