Today is Maundy Thursday, the beginning of the church's great Triduum of Easter. Maundy relates to the word "mandate," related to Jesus' charge to his followers in John 13:34 that they would "love one another, as I have loved you." 

Tonight we commemorate this command and the meal that accompanied it in a joint service with Christ Church (see below for details). This service is rich in time to reflect, listen, and pray and is a beautiful entry point into all the drama and significance of this weekend. 

I'm looking forward to our gathering in homes tomorrow night for Good Friday. If you haven't had the chance to sign up please do so today by noon. We'll share a meal and commemorate Christ's sacrifice together! We have a few spots left. 

Of course it all culminates with our worship on Sunday. We will celebrate the gift of new life in Christ through baptisms, in song, and the flowering of the cross. I'm so looking forward to being together. I encourage you to invite friends and neighbors to this joyous celebration of God's victory! Who knows how this day might be decisive in their lives and relationship with God. 

The beauty of the Easter season is that we have 50 days to celebrate the resurrection. It will be a continued focus in our worship and we'll have some specifically celebratory events in our common life during these weeks.  One such gathering that is coming up quickly following Easter is our Men's Retreat April 26th and 27th. Andy Wong will be leading us in some times of Scripture study and there will also be plenty of opportunities to simply hang out, enjoy creation, and deepen relationships. Sign up by this Monday. 

Peter+ 

Ps. Thank you for your generosity in contributing to a vehicle for Austine and Kennedy! We plan to give them this gift this weekend, if you'd like to make a contribution you can do so here.