This month the congregation will walk through Holy Week to Easter. On the Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, the prayer is “Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of His suffering, and also share in His resurrection.” On Monday in Holy Week: “Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace.” On Easter, in Psalm 118, the psalm for the day, “On this day the Lord has acted.”

So, there is a real relationship, as Leonel Mitchell says, “between the liturgical celebration and the reality being celebrated, such that the participants in the celebration become participants in the saving reality.” This week is not just a commemoration of the end of Jesus’ life. Parishioners participate in the fulfillment of the Feast of feasts, the death and resurrection with Christ.

Isaac Watts’ hymn (#50) based on Psalm 118 celebrates the immediacy of redemption:

“Today he rose and left the dead,
and Satan’s empire fell;
Today the saints his triumphs spread,
and all his wonders tell.
Blest be the Lord, who comes to us
with messages of grace!
Who comes, in God his Father’s name,
to save our sinful race.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks for coming forward!

The St. Cecelia St. Albans Choir , now rehearsing on Sundays 12:30-1:30 pm , welcomes Kelsey Pehrsson, Rachael Pehrsson, and Julia Mitchell. The new rehearsal time is a permanent change so come join the choir! Singers in grades 4-12 currently sing together in this choir. Hand chimes have also been rung and there are lots of other instruments to try and to incorporate into the music. It’ll be an adventure.

Welcome to new ringers Jane Piver and Jackie Geschickter in the Bell Choir, which rehearses Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm. Handbell ringing requires concentration and lots of group practice, which is why it is so engaging. Consider coming.

And thanks to Tom Geller, classical guitarist, and Carmel Hodge, violist, who have volunteered to present music in worship. There is especially a need for instrumentalists to play during communion at the 11:15 am service.