Dear First Parish Church,

 Through this Season of Lent we have explored the parables of Jesus, these stories which help us unearth deeper truths about our lives and the coming of God’s reign. In April we will begin a series of workshops aimed at helping us find our voices and tap into our own stories as a source of wisdom and strength. Susan Turnbull will lead us in this work, starting with a Soup and Conversation on April 6th called “Letter to My Family”. Those who choose have the opportunity to continue meeting as a group for two additional sessions on April 27 and May 4 to find success in creating one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your loved ones and in the process, to yourself.

As we move through the last weeks of Lent and approach Holy Week, God invites us to deepen our connection to the story of Jesus’ final days.

 Palm Sunday (April 13) at 10am: A Journey of Hosannas

We begin our journey on Palm Sunday, remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when crowds greeted him with joy and hope, shouting “Hosanna!” Our Palm Sunday service will include selections from “Once Upon a Tree” by Pepper Choplin, performed by the choir. As we shout “Hosanna,” we also prepare our hearts for the deeper journey that Holy Week leads us toward.

 Maundy Thursday (April 17) at 7pm: The Last Hours

 On Maundy Thursday, we gather together to commemorate the Last Supper and Jesus’ final hours. Through a Service of Tenebrae, accompanied by further selections from “Once Upon a Tree,” we will experience together the lengthening shadows and growing darkness as we approach Jesus’ death.

Good Friday (April 18) at 12pm: The Cross

 Good Friday is a day of solemnity and reflection. We tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, acknowledging the depth of sacrifice made for our redemption. Through scripture readings, hymns, and moments of silence, we sit with the sorrow of this day and ponder the gravity of what Christ endured.

At 1pm you are invited to join the Associated Clergy of Cape Ann at the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Monument in Gloucester for a Stations of the Cross Prayer Walk for Justice – benefitting World Central Kitchen

Easter Sunday (April 20): Christ is Risen!

Easter is the day we proclaim with joy that Christ is risen, and that the story of death is not the end. It is a day of celebration, transformation, and new beginnings.

Sunrise (5:53am) – We will gather at dawn on Singing Beach for an ecumenical sunrise service, with hymns and trumpets. I have the honor of preaching this year.

10am – Our main Easter Family Worship Service will be filled with hymns of praise, additional movements from “Once Upon a Tree” by Pepper Choplin, trumpets, timpani and the joyful news of the Resurrection. The message of Easter is one of hope, renewal, and the promise of life everlasting.

As we enter this holy season, let us reflect on how each part of the story of Holy Week speaks to our own lives. How do we walk with Jesus into the city? How do we participate in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup? How do we confront the darkness of the cross? And, most importantly, how do we live into the promise of resurrection?

We hope you will join us in telling this story anew, in whatever way you are able, through worship, prayer, and acts of love. Together, we will journey through Holy Week and celebrate the story that unites us all.

Blessings,

Rev. Katherine