This week marks two important milestones for me. The first is that one year ago this weekend, I made my first physical visit to Utah (outside of the airport, at least) and to
Washington Heights Church for an interview, where I now serve as a pastor to students (grades 9-12). The second milestone is that this is my first Holy Week away from the Episcopal Church. I am thankful that our church is hosting a Good Friday service and is planning for a very joyous Easter Sunday celebration. However, there is much I will miss about the liturgical worship of Holy Week. I think back to one of my fondest memories in youth ministry, when the confirmation candidates washed the feet of those in the congregation during our
Maundy Thursday service. For all the reasons why I did not chose to seek ordination in the Episcopal Church, there are many things I do miss about worshiping there. I had hoped to attend some services this week at local liturgical churches, but unfortunately many of the services are later at night and we can't keep our two little girls up late too many nights in a row.
So, enjoy Holy Week. Remember that Christ came in to the world to seek the lost, that he died for you, and that he rose again, a fact Christians will joyously celebrate around the world on April 4th (with exception to Christians who follow a different calendar, such as the Orthodox traditions). As Andrew Peterson once said
in a song,
"I wanna open up my arms
And embrace that old rugged cross
I wanna take pride in the reason
And be humbled by the cause"
