Easter message 2010

Dear friends:

We are now in our final full week of Lent. As Lent draws to a close, we shift our focus to the solemn celebration of Passion Sunday and the three holiest days of our church year. As we hear the crowds change their shouts from “Hosanna!” to “Crucify him!” we are reminded of the sinful and unstable nature of our human relationships. But as we stumble upon an empty tomb at Easter, we are also reminded that all things are made new in the Covenant that is Christ.

Without the meal, we cannot remember; without the cross we cannot be washed clean; without the resurrection we would be a hopeless bunch! This is why our communal celebration of Holy Week is so important to our spiritual life together. We remember all that God has done for us in Christ. We do this as a community of faith, love, and support.

Holy week begins this Sunday, the 28th, with Palm (Passion) Sunday. Service begins at 10:30 outside (weather permitting).

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services are at 7:00 p.m. on April 1st and 2nd. I am very pleased that Pastor Tom Chittick has agreed to give the instructional sermon on Maundy Thursday.

April 4th, Easter Sunday, begins with our legendary homemade breakfast, sponsored by the church council to benefit kids with camper scholarships to Calumet. The breakfast starts at 9:00 a.m. in the church hall. The voluntary donation is $3.50 per person with a $10.00 capped price for a family. (You are free to donate more to help a young camper!)

If you can join us on Easter Sunday, please remember Project Feed and bring non-perishable food for the basket.

Easter worship is at 10:30 a.m. Bring a hand bell (or cowbell or dinner bell or jingle bell) to ring in the ALLELUIA season!

This Easter, we are pleased to welcome new members to the St. Ansgar church family. I hope you can join us in this happy occasion of the growth of our congregation.

Finally, if for any reason you would like to come to church and cannot find transportation, please let me or a member of our church know. We will make sure you can be here!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Pr. Bill Barter
Pastor@saintansgar.org
207.774.8740 ext 1