One downside to a calendar as active as ours is that sometimes things get lost. I don’t mean they get lost as in not happening, but lost in the sense that people don’t always know all the things going on, because it’s a lot to keep straight. That’s what I realize may have happened with our Jesus Christ Superstar Mass this Sunday evening. It’s Palm Sunday, and it’s just before we are off and running with our dozens of Holy Week Liturgies, so it makes sense that some have been expressing surprise when we name it. So if that’s you, know that we’re offering a Jesus Christ Superstar (JCSS) Mass on Sunday evening in the Parish Hall; 5:30, to be exact.
What is a JCSS Mass, you ask? Well, it’s a Eucharist for Palm Sunday that includes music from the rock opera. Most of the music, but not all, comes during the reading of the Passion Narrative, as we go back and forth from narrator to music. The pieces will be sung by soloists in our choir and the congregation. We did a service like this four years ago on Palm Sunday morning, and decided to offer it the evening this time, for those who might like to come from other communities. If it sounds interesting to you, please come, and please invite folks to join you. It will be different and fun, while also being powerful and moving. We have streamlined the service a bit so that it doesn’t run too long, so it shouldn’t be a two-hour endeavor!
It also brings to mind that you might want to revisit our Holy Week schedule. We have a lot to offer, from daily Eucharists to the big services of the Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday). We also support the ecumenical services that the churches on the island do together, which move around from church to church each day. I will be preaching at Wesley UMC at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, for example. We also have offered our model for the three-hour Good Friday devotion with meditations on the seven last words of Christ on the cross to an ecumenical arrangement, meeting at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Lunch is offered beforehand, with the service starting at 12:30 pm. It is designed for people to come and go throughout the three hours.
I’ve said it before, but engaging in Holy Week to the extent that you are able will allow you to reap great rewards from the Easter celebration on Easter Sunday. It truly helps set the stage for understanding the context of the resurrection and the meaning of Jesus’ death. It is always appropriate to bring kids to Holy Week services, although, Good Friday’s main liturgy might be a bit challenging for younger kids. Older elementary and older kids will do fine with all of the services. Maundy Thursday is an interesting service for kids because we add the washing of the feet and the stripping of the altar, both of which can create interesting discussion with parents.
The clergy and staff are about to put our heads down and begin the holy march through Holy Week. We look forward to seeing you as you are able to join us!
Tom+
Look with compassion, O Lord, upon this your people; that rightly observing this holy season, they may learn to know you more fully, and to serve you with a more perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.