Holy Week

The celebration of our Lord's Resurrection, which most English speaking Christians know as Easter is the center of a surprising amount of controversy.  The date on which it is be celebrated has caused arguments and excommunications, and was one of the historical sources of division between Celtic Catholicism and what later became Roman Catholicism. Not only the date, but even the very name, has also been a source of controversy and disagreement. In Hebrew, the Passover is called Pesach. In most languages, the Christian Resurrection feast is called by a name based on this Hebrew word. Most Orthodox call it Pascha or a similar sounding name. Only in English is it called Easter.  Tonight as Holy Week continues, the Maundy Thursday and Tenebrae services were held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.  Both somber and stirring, moving and contemplative,  as the sanctuary grew ever darker as scripture was read, candles were extinguished and the choir sang beautifully.  I may be prejudiced but Joe's piano and organ were exceptionally lovely this evening.  I attended choir practice on Wednesday and the choir definitely rose to the occasion tonight.  Thank you.

Like I said, I was at choir practice Wednesday night and the church is definitely in for a treat Easter Sunday.  The choir will sound lovely and Joe has some wonderful organ music to celebrate the Resurrection.  I highly recommend that anyone in attendance stay for his entire postlude.  It will be stirring, although somewhat loud!

Joe has had a few up and down days this week with an upset stomach as well as off and on fevers.  On days when he is very active or has a late night, the bad day usually follows so tomorrow and Saturday I have given strict orders (yeah, right) that he is to rest so that he will be in top form on Easter Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who has inquired about him, sent cards, food and sent loving prayers our way.  All of you have been so wonderful to both of us and we are so very grateful.