April 4th, 2025 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

I feel like I say things like this a lot in my pastor's notes and church communications, but I can't believe it is April already. In just over two weeks' time we will celebrate Christ's glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Easter is always a joyous celebration of life and vitality, and of the great hope that is to be found in Christ's resurrection. However, it's important to note that we are not there yet and that we have two more weeks of Lenten journeying to complete. As we approach the end of this high season in the life of the church, our focus very much turns towards the cross of Christ - an important turn as we grow in our understanding of just how much Jesus gave so that you and I might know the gift of new life. 

At Memorial, we will very intentionally turn our eyes to the cross during Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, our Chancel Choir will perform an Easter Cantata at our 8:00AM and 11:00AM services. That day, we will also join in our traditional Palm Processional on Center Street (along with several of our sister, downtown churches). These Palm Sunday traditions lay a solid foundation for the services we take part in through the rest of Holy Week. 

On Maundy Thursday we gather to remember how Christ gathered with his friends and gave them a sacred remembrance to take forward with them (and to pass on to those who would come after them, including us). Remembering Christ's death is remembering the extent of God's love for the world. What a sacred gift Holy Communion is!

On Good Friday, we sit at the cross to both reflect on its horror and to marvel at Christ's choice to endure such violence for the sake of the world. 

This time of year, invites us to deep, intentional reflection on God's love for the world and what it means for our lives. My prayer is that your devotion and experience of God will be rich and meaningful as we approach Easter Sunday, and I hope you will plan to join in on services and opportunities to gather for worship together. 

Blessings,

Pastor Charlie