If you have attended a funeral at St. Andrew’s, you have probably seen a note from the Book of Common Prayer in our bulletin. It begins The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.
A funeral is an Easter liturgy. That’s why we vest the altar and the clergy in white, why we light the Paschal candle at every burial office. We are an Easter people. Even at the grave, as the words of the commendation tell us, we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
In a few days we will begin our slow, sad walk through Holy Week. On Good Friday we will come to Jesus’ grave. But the journey does not end there. It ends with the resurrection light of Easter Sunday, of Jesus alive again and giving us that life, in this world and the next.
This is it: Christians’ holiest season, the remembrance of Jesus’ death and celebration of his resurrection. Not only does the burial liturgy find all its meaning in the resurrection; so do we. Easter matters not only on the appointed spring morning but also, and more importantly, at every other moment of our lives, in all seasons, in joy and sorrow.
The resurrection we celebrate with happy hymns on Easter Sunday is the central truth of our lives, from birth to death, and beyond.
One of my favorite lines in the funeral service is from the preface at communion: For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended. That is our faith in a nutshell.
Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. I look forward to celebrating Jesus’ resurrection with you on March 31—and to our living and walking as Easter people in all of the days to come.
Blessings. -Anne
Wednesday, March 27
11:00 AM - Lenten Service of Holy Eucharist
Thursday, March 28
5:30 PM - Maundy Thursday Family Service: Click here for details & RSVP
7:00 PM - Maundy Thursday Service
Friday, March 29
12:00 PM - Stations of the Cross
7:00 PM - Good Friday Service
Saturday, March 30
7:00 PM - Holy Saturday/Service of Light
Sunday, March 31 - Easter Day!
6:30 AM - Sunrise Service behind Hilton School
8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:00 AM - Children's Chapel with Easter Egg Hunt (gather in the Youth House beginning at 9:45)
10:30 AM - Festal Eucharist, Rite II
Maundy Thursday Family Service
March 28, 5:30 to 6:30 in the Parish Hall.
This gathering is designed for families with young children (although anyone is welcome!) and will include dinner, communion, foot washing, and other activities suitable for young children. Click here for more info and to RSVP.
Easter Children’s Chapel & Egg Hunt
On Easter Sunday, Children’s Chapel begins at 10:00 AM in the Youth House. It will include an Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages (bring a basket). Please begin gathering at 9:45 AM.
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