I find myself having so many memories regarding Easter.

I remember at five years old wearing my Easter dress, gloves and hat and going to church with my offering tied in a handkerchief. I think of my Easter experiences as a college student, singing in the choir but didn’t time my arrival to church well. I walked into a dark and somber Good Friday vigil service in a bright yellow dress that didn’t seem to be the appropriate attire for the mood of that service! In that same mode years later, I almost missed Easter Sunrise service after having sung the St. John Passion the night before with the Phoenix Symphony, getting to church just in time to slide onto the piano bench to play the opening hymn. As a mom, Easter was 'fun' with all the experiences of corralling the children in church! An extremely powerful memory is the loss of my Mom on one Easter Sunday. My brother called me as I was driving home from church to tell me the news, and I almost drove off the road. Through it all, the Word and music of Lent and Easter has sustained and strengthened me. I look forward every year to Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper followed by Good Friday and the crucifixion. Perhaps, “look forward” isn’t the correct expression. All the feelings that come forth during the Triduum, which is the culmination of Lent and the three days that follow, these are the holiest of times. My prayer is that you are able to attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday because those days really give strength and meaning to Easter. However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, you are welcome and loved by God at all times.

With Dr. Jeremy Peterman