Last Saturday, an hour before the game against Auburn, I ventured out to Wegmans. Since having knee surgery on April 2, I hadn’t stepped out of the house on my own for four days, so I went grocery shopping. It was time to test my stiffening joints. As I made my way up and down aisles at tortoise-like-speed, I noticed folks stocking up for the big game: beer, chips, frozen pizza, salsa, pretzels, seltzer water, Special K, instant dinners, etc. Grocery carts filled with anticipation, hope, nerves, and junk food.

“You’ve only got a half hour to get home for the game,” the check-out clerk said to me, a bit downcast. “I have to work late.”

“No worries,” I consoled. “You can watch the Hoos play on Monday.”

The atmosphere inside the store felt like Christmas, like the Super Bowl, like Thanksgiving. There was definitely something in the air. As Holy Week and Easter approach, I think we experience similar feelings and expectations—minus the junk food. Holy Week brings with it palm branches waving, dinner with the disciples in an upper room, a search for meaning behind Jesus’ death on the cross, and joyful shouts of “He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!” Around this time of year, the air fills with the expectation of new life, new beginnings, life over death, and Resurrection.

Next week, on Maundy Thursday at 6:00, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a light supper and Communion. Then on Friday at 6:00, there will be a meditative Good Friday Service in the sanctuary. On Saturday, April 20, there is an Easter Lunch and Egg Hunt fundraiser sponsored by our J2A class–and on Easter Sunday?  “Alleluia! He is Risen!” with services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. (Remember, The Lord’s Supper will only be served at the 8:30 service. At 11:00, we will renew our baptisms.)

Yes, next week, as Jesus’ story reaches its dramatic conclusion, our hearts and minds strain for answers our comprehension. The redbuds announce spring’s arrival. The white oaks sing their praises. The warming winds tell the story of seasonal change. And on Easter Sunday, the air fills with alleluias.

Blessings,
Ken