Jesus UP, Seminarian DOWN

The Dawn of  Maundy Thursday 2016

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. 

In the same way I loved you, you love one another."  John 13:34

Candles were lit, prayers were said, a meal was shared,

hymns were sung, and feet were washed.   

A peaceful day in El Sobrante, CA.

 "This is how everyone will recognize that you 

are my disciples—when they see the 

love you have for each other.”   John 13:35

 Aunt Audrey sent me a photo she came across from 1982.

I was 3 and a half and Brad was about 6 months.  Aww...

The Friday we Call Good 2016

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, 

so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 

“by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24

Quiet.  Sleepy.  Just like her Mama. 

 Took a five minute break to hold this little man.

 Honestly.  I could peer into those eyes all day!

 And those giggles!  What a sound!

(Apparently wore him out with giggles!)

The Vigil of Easter, Holy Saturday 2016

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 The light of Christ.  Thanks be to God

 

 We gathered around the bonfire to light the holy flame.

 Each member held a flame from the Pascal candle.

The worship space is prepared for morning in California....

 

....and in Colorado!

HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!

ALLELUIA!!

Comparing their Easter dresses.  Too cute!

 And the dapper gentlemen!

Lizzie, my worship partner during the late service.  

What a sweetheart!

 "Is my mouth clean?"

"I have eaten my fill."

"DONUT! I've eaten more than Homer!"

"I wanted to pour the maple syrup directly into

 my mouth but they wouldn't let me do that."

Direct quote.

 Hannah!  Little stinker.  She is SUCH a hoot.

No seriously.  Look at that face!  Sweet PEA!

Her brother, Simeon, our newest, little acolyte. 

 Easter Egg Hunt.  Not TOO terribly difficult...

 Geneva!  One of my first and deepest supporters at Hope!

And then.....it was indeed finished.

I can't tell you how impactful it was to be a clergy person IN a collar during the worship services of Holy Week.  Many of my colleagues reject the collar, saying it does nothing but draw lines between people.  

I have to disagree - wearing the collar does a bunch of things for me:  it signifies that I am outwardly willing to talk, discuss, and proclaim God in any and all ways.  It also serves as a physical reminder to me of my responsibility to neighbor.  Just when I get comfortable, this semi-restraint around my neck literally snaps me back into action.  

Two hours later, my body was relaxed, my spirit was calm,

and the joy of the week had washed over me.  

He is Risen!  He is Risen, indeed!

ALLELUIA!