Pastor Update, Letter 38
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP
April 5, 2023
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
I can’t wait to worship with you on Easter Sunday morning. For nearly two thousand years, the Church has woken early every Easter for a single reason … to Rejoice! God won the ultimate victory over sin, failure and death and the Church loudly praises God in response. In just a few days, we’ll celebrate together the truth that Jesus lives. He will meet us, as he met the women and the disciples on the first Easter.
It’s for the gladness that awaits us that I want to strongly urge you to prepare for Easter by worshipping with us on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Nothing enhances the delight of Easter like participating in the services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Miller Commons (live stream available)
From the Table to the Cross: A Drama based on Mark 14
No story has more significance than this: the death and resurrection of Jesus. Somehow the oft-repeated tale of Christ’s passion can become too familiar, too formalized, for us to experience its incredible immediacy. This drama is a series of short readings written by author Walter Wangerin Jr. and based on the gospel of Mark—from the moment when the chief priests plot to the Last Supper to the trial of Jesus. The readings are more than a recounting of events; they are an imaginary reenactment, leading one to re-experience the Passion or perhaps see it fully for the very first time. We’ll gather around tables to share a simple snack and later the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Spencer brings the meditation. This worship service is fitting for families.
Good Friday Community Worship, Noon in the courtyard by the Sanctuary (no live stream)
If the weather becomes inclement, the service moves to the Sanctuary
Moorestown Ministerium leads a one-hour community worship service.
Pastors from a number of Moorestown churches offer brief reflections on the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. Pastor Wes Allen brings one reflection and leads the singing.
Good Friday Tenebrae Worship, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary (available via live stream)
A series of readings with the darkening of the Sanctuary
The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows”, has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Once a service for the monastic community, Tenebrae later became an important part of the worship services during Holy Week. Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his paths, and the power of silence and darkness suggest the drama of this momentous day. We remember that God revealed his great love for us most fully in the cross of Jesus Christ. The Junior and Chapel choirs sing and Rev. Wes Allen brings the meditation.
Easter Sunday
Sunrise Worship in the Cemetery, 6:30 a.m. (no live stream), Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary, 8:30 a.m. (available via live stream), Contemporary Worship, 11:00 a.m. in Miller Commons (available via live stream)
Worship with us and consider inviting a family member or friend to come with you. The Sunrise service is about 30 minutes. We’ll provide limited seating, though you can bring your own chair. The Traditional service features our choirs and guest brass musicians. Our Praise Band leads music at the Contemporary service. Pastor Spencer preaches that morning from John 20: 1-10. His sermon is “I’ll Race You!”
Mustard Seed Cooperative Garden Tours on Easter Sunday
After each of our Easter worship services, the newly constructed Mustard Seed Cooperative Garden will be available for a tour. The garden is located near the labyrinth and fire pit on the cemetery side of our main parking lot. With this exciting new mission, we’re joining hands with each other and with members of our community to grow fresh produce for our food-insecure neighbors. Your help is most welcome. Stop by, and see this beautiful new addition to our grounds. Learn more from Leslie Spencer, one of our Mustard Seed Garden co-leaders, who will be on-hand to answer your questions.
Family Easter Picture
Wong Garden after the Traditional and Contemporary Worship services
Some of our Deacons with help from our teenagers are available to snap a picture of you and your family. The Wong Garden, located outside the glass doors of the Commons Lobby on the side of the main parking, provides a perfect setting to pose your family. We have Easter picture frames for you to use to display your loved ones.
Easter has always elicited joy but also generosity. The two emotions are meant to join hands for giving. Remember to support financially the ministry and mission of FPC Moorestown. Special envelopes are available. We’re here at 101 Bridgeboro Road to declare, with deeds and words, the hope of the resurrection. Thank you for helping us do so.
In just a few days, we’ll remind each other of our hope with the ancient greeting meant for Easter Sunday. Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Yours in Christ,
Stuart Spencer, Pastor