Dear Friends,

One of the things I hear so often from our members and friends is the longing to gather again, to be together for worship, meals and conversation. With the arrival of Spring and vacinations we have hope that we are headed that way. Our outdoor worship was to resume tomorrow, but alas the weather will not permit this.

If the bad news is that the weather has changed our gathering plans for tomorrow, the good news is that Easter Sunday has a good forecast and we have a crowd signed up to come and rejoice together. We have high hopes for singing alleluias, ringing our bells (bring your own bells to ring) and feasting at the Lord's table.

First, we must walk with Jesus and each other through the gates of Jerusalem, to the upper room, to the garden, the trial, and the crucifixion. Then we will light the first fire of Easter, pass over from darkness to light and finally celebrate Easter Day gathering in person. Though much of this holy week will be experienced online, we will have a sense of being together, especially on Maundy Thursday.

If you came to our annual meeting, you may remember that there was a palpable feeling of our joy at being together, even on Zoom. Maundy Thursday worship this year will be on Zoom. It will be very simple, but you need to prepare a bit in advance.

We will gather for a meal, each of us in our own homes. Get a candle if you'd like, your beverage of choice, a bit of bread to break and some other simple food. Sit in front of your computer screen. We will hear part of the story of the last supper read. Then we will bless our food and share a meal and focused conversation in small Zoom breakouts. Then we will re-gather for prayers and music. It may be a gathering we will never forget - one more chance to say, "we've never done it this way before!"

The first disciples had never experienced that kind of meal before either. As Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, shared it, he said, " whenever you do this,do it in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup. Then he washed their feet and showed them what is was to love by serving.

Please join us in worship this week. We have reason to believe we will soon be re-gathered in person. We have hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us walk together in that hope.

Faithfully, Jennifer+