Holy Week

We had 17 people on an overcast day but warm in the 70’s. There was a “Good Friday” type of mood in the air – somewhat introspective thinking about what happened. Somewhat forboding looking outside. A severe storm was predicted but did not occur. In the midst of the gloom, spring is developing – the dogwoods are out, daffodils, hyacinths. The magnolia tree may be in full bloom at Easter.|After the sermon was the veneration of the cross, the dramatic entrance of the cross. It is slow but dramatic as it is raised and placed on the altar. Then a chance for prayer and to put a taper in the sand in the front and a rose in the vase. By the end there were 14 candles and many prayers said.

Our Maundy Thursday service on April 2 was handled differently this year. The crowd was small at 15 so that we could hold the first part of the service outside on a beautiful spring evening. Footwashing, homily, Liturgy of the Word, Communion were outside. After this we went inside for hymns – “What wonderous love is this”, “As in that upper room”, ” Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love” and “In remembrance of me” and the stripping of the altar singing “Stay with Me” continuously. A full moon greeted us through the windows of St. Peter’s as we departed in silence.

We had 18 at Tenebrae which was a good turnout, though two less than last year. This is an unusual service with its own Liturgy. There is only music – the readings carry the service. And it is not from the traditional Gospel readings. The readings range from Lamentations in the Old Testament to commentary from St Augustine, and at last a reading from Hebrews, in which the theology of Gods saving grace through Jesus Christ our great high priest is presented for our consideration. The Psalms dominate the service.

The day started out early for some of us at the Long’s for the 7am Sunrise service. Unfortunately, while the son came up briefly it was soon hidden by the advancing cloud cover.|St. Peter’s was well represented in scripture and song. Nancy and Helmut performed twice on “Because He Lives” and “Victory in Jesus.” Catherine provided the opening prayer and Gospel reading. Both Memorial Baptist and Shiloh were represented. Rev Joe Dobbin of Shiloh presented the sermon on “First 7 Words After Resurrection.”|The Longs offered a wonderful reception with various egg, sausage casseroles, doughnut, hash browns.

Here are 50 images of the period from Palm Sunday to Easter, 2013. From Palm Sunday to Easter, we held 5 services with 166 in attendance. We also participated in the Port Royal Sunrise service on Sunday morning. On Sat. we held our 7th community dinner for 80-120 children feeding them lunch and holding an Easter egg hunt. Yes, we did walk with Jesus in his suffering and hardships and then sharing and proclaiming the resurrection.

At 11am, we had 54 for Easter on an increasingly cloudy and by service time some light rain. Most of all it was just cold and damp. Not Easter like! Some additions to the service this year – a set of wind chimes Catherine carried in procession. Also, with abundant children we had a children’s sermon before the main one. The metaphor of a flower bulb that rises is a wonderful metaphor for the risen Christ.As with last year we lit the paschal fire, symbolizing the new light from Christ this Easter.