Welcome to Holy Week and all the blessings waiting for us here. Last Sunday we heard stories leading up to the Passion story: Jesus cleansing the Temple, Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, the Widow’s mite, and the Last Supper. These stories give us insight into Jesus’ passion for justice and generosity, compassion and love. He confronted the powers of death and injustice and celebrated those who would follow his way of grace. Jesus gave his WHOLE life so that ALL might live.  So that everyone might be FULL to the BRIM with abundant life and love! May we meditate on these gifts as we walk with Jesus to Resurrection Sunday.  

Please remember that all are invited to join us at Hiram Christian Church tomorrow for Good Friday service at 7:00pm. We will hear the story of Jesus’ Passion as picked up where we left off last Sunday. 
Easter Sunrise Service is at Derthick’s Farm at 6:30am. Please come into their driveway from 82 and follow back to find a place to park. We will gather near the Cross set up on the hill near Sheldon Road. Here’s hoping for a magnificent sunrise like last year! Remember to bring a chair if you want to sit during the service.  

Our Resurrection Day Service will be at 9:30 at the church. We will be blessed with special music from Jon Bozeka and 2 songs from re-constituted MCCC Choir. Please join us in person or online!  
On this Maundy Thursday, I want to offer you the beautiful meditation and poem below by Jan Richardson.  

God’s blessing and peace be with you as we continue our journey with Jesus.  
In Christ,
Chad

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By Jan Richardson

This day, this Holy Thursday, beckons us to return to the table, to gather around the bread that has been offered to us, the cup that has been poured out for us. Yet this day will also send us out: away from the table and into the world, in search of those who hunger and thirst for what Christ gives: to us, through us. What path will the bread and the cup—and the One who offers them—impel you to take?

Blessing the Bread, the Cup
For Holy Thursday

Let us bless the bread
that gives itself to us
with its terrible weight,
its infinite grace.

Let us bless the cup
poured out for us
with a love that drenches,
that makes us anew.

Let us gather
around these gifts
simply given
and deeply blessed.

And then let us go
bearing the bread,
carrying the cup,
laying the table
within a hungering world.

—Jan Richardson