Holy Week 2017
Holy Week
Palm Sunday - Bobbi Salkeld
Every year we realize that we need to tell and hear the story once more. Every year we find ourselves surprised by it, overwhelmed, and yet comforted in a way that’s hard to explain. Every year we are drawn back to humble worship, and the pledge of renewed commitment.
We invite you to take time to embrace the story:
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, April 9 as we celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.
Discussion Notes:
Palm Sunday 2017
Stations of the Cross
On the Tuesday and Wednesday (April 11 and 12), we invite you to experience the Stations of the Cross, a rehearsal of the last hours of Jesus’ life. A specially prepared booklet will guide you through the stations and the church will be open from 9am to 9pm for you to come, reflect on the season and pray as we move toward Resurrection.
Download the Reflection Booklet here (print copies will be available at the church)
Good Friday - Scott Wall
Join us to remember Good Friday on April 14. We will have two services at 9AM and 1030AM.
The religious leaders derided Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” (Luke 23:35)
The Roman soldiers joined in with the taunt, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” (Luke 23:36)
One of the criminals hanging beside Him pressed the message upon Him, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” (Luke 23:39)
Everything about the cross event was bent to the task of pressuring Jesus toward self-preservation. The core essence of God’s character was under siege. The pivotal question of the ages hung before men and angels, Who is the Ruler of the universe? What is He really made of at heart? Will His love prove itself a sham under pressure, or will He plunge to the deepest depths of total self-sacrifice for others?
He could have saved Himself and abandoned us to our selfishness and hate. But He simply, profoundly, chose not to.
Resurrection Sunday - Jeremy Duncan
Without equivocation or hesitation I fully and completely admit that I deny the resurrection of Christ. This is something that anyone who knows me could tell you, and I am not afraid to say it publicly, no matter what some people may think.
I deny the resurrection of Christ every time I do not serve at the feet of the oppressed, each day that I turn my back on the poor; I deny the resurrection of Christ when I close my ears to the cries of the downtrodden and lend my support to an unjust and corrupt system.
However there are moments when I affirm that resurrection, few and far between as they are. I affirm it when I stand up for those who are forced to live on their knees, when I speak for those who have had their tongues torn out, when I cry for those who have no more tears left to shed.
–Peter Rollins
The Christian faith is an Easter faith. That means it is ultimately a joyous and hopeful view of the world. Christ has triumphed over the enemies of life. Death, sin, and despair have been given an expiry date. Love, hope, and mercy have fully guaranteed futures.
But this Easter faith we participate in, does not come cheaply or without challenge. There is a pathway to joy that must be taken seriously. Let us endeavour to truly follow the way of Jesus this Easter with grace and peace.
Discussion Notes:
Easter Sunday 2017
