I get it- my family went either on Maundy Thursday OR Good Friday. It wasn’t until seminary that I understood the different focus of each one and it wasn’t until my field work part way through seminary that I experienced Easter Vigil. There are great descriptions of the services on our website, but you won’t find the answer to the ‘why’ there. The answer to the why is deep in your soul. Hearing how Jesus prepared for His trial and crucifixion by washing the disciples’ feet and transforming the Passover meal. Hearing the chant of a solo voice as we remove all of the decoration from the sanctuary. Seeing the cross in the center as we hear and sing the story of the crucifixion. Leaving in darkness and returning to a new fire. Hearing the stories of salvation in the Old Testament before the proclamation of salvation for all in Jesus. There aren’t a lot of words beyond Scripture in all of these services, freeing us to encounter God in a soulful way. You’ll have time to get quiet and reflect, to participate in ritual and song. After three years of pandemic and what feels like constant challenge, maybe it is just what you need to celebrate new life in your life.
