Holy Week 2021
Life on the way to the cross 
‘If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’ 
Atticus Finch to Scout, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.
Judge, softly                        Mary T. Lathrap, 1895
“Pray, don’t find fault
with the man that limps,
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn
the moccasins he wears,
Or stumbled beneath the same load.
There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too.
Don’t sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the same blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, unknown to you
in the same way,
May cause you to stagger and fall, too.
Don’t be too harsh with the man that sins.
Or pelt him with words,
or stone, or disdain.
Unless you are sure you
have no sins of your own, leave
In other people’s lives,
our kindnesses and generosity.
And it’s only wisdom and love
that your heart contains.
For you know if the tempter’s voice
Should whisper as soft to you,
As it did to him when he went astray,
It might cause you to falter, too.
Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize, and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes,
instead of your own muse.
I believe you’d be surprised to see
That you’ve been blind and
narrow-minded, even unkind.
There are people on reservations
and in the ghettos
Who have so little hope,
and too much worry on their minds.
Brother, there but for the
grace of God go you and I.
Just for a moment,
slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through
his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone
or falsely judge his conditions.
Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever
by the tracks we 
Take the time to
walk a mile in his moccasins.”
Following the way of the cross, following Jesus toward resurrection. This journey is our call, is the path of all Christians. Yet, throughout the course of our lives, we fall pretty short. For sure and certain I do. I like comfort and happiness and life generally going my way. I like to be right, I love to win. Yes, of course, I want that for everyone but when I’m truthful, I want it more for me.

Still, even after all these years of practicing a faith that is all about letting go, relinquishing control, following the path of Christ, I fall short. And that’s why beloved I need Holy Week, again is it all about me. I really need it.
And yet I’m also thinking this week about all those in the world who do walk the well-worn path to the cross, every day. Who suffer the hardships of life. Who still experience ridicule and abuse, loss, abandonment, and cruelty at the hands of those in power.  

I’ve been remembering the song Lonesome Valley.  Jesus walked that lonesome valley, he had to walk it by himself … The song has its roots in the enslavement. Versions of the song have been sung in Black churches since the early 1830s. And as believers, we also say we are never alone. Beloved, Holy Week reminds us that both things are true! It is the way of the Christian life. It is mostly always some of both for all of us. Some of us, denying who we are and who God is and some of us finding ways to live and love like Jesus. That’s Holy Week -- some of each.

Join us for some of it or all of it. It's all virtual; socially distanced, so participate from the comfort and safety of your favorite chair on the big screen in your home or on your phone in the quiet of your car or basement. Tell the story of the walk from Jerusalem to the tomb at home, reread the passion quietly yourself, watch Jesus Christ Superstar or listen to the soundtrack, color some eggs and hide them in the yard or around your house and then delight in finding them. What seems dead isn’t, what seems fixed isn’t either. Whatever and however you do please remember the road and those who travel it. Alone or together, with soft shoes or no shoes. This day and every day.
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Are you ready to come back to church?
Of course, you are we all are. We will begin to Livestream, from the nave on April 11 and we will begin to invite you to register to worship in the nave beginning April 18. Please watch your email and the website for the details of how we are going to accomplish this. We are encouraging folks to register for the limited number of spaces in the pews on REALM. Prayers are requested as we make this transition!