A Holy Week

I have enjoyed attending worship at our sister Presbyterian congregations during this Holy Week. Of course, we are not all alike. We have medium sized congregations and small congregations. (None of us are what you would call a large church when calculated by the numbers.) We have male preachers and female preachers. We have high church and low church. And I’m certain we come to faith from a variety of perspectives. But the central point is we all can worship together.

            One quick aside: Seneca Presbyterian where I serve was founded in 1875. I discovered this week that we are the “baby” in this flock. Four other churches were founded even before us. That’s an amazing fact when you realize Presbyterians have been worshiping in Oconee County, South Carolina for over 200 years.

            As I contemplated this week, I did begin to wonder about our tradition. Some might think it excessive to worship every night of the same week. Six services in all, if you make them all. (I often miss Good Friday because I’m writing a sermon for Easter Sunday. I know – “Shame on me!”) Then I realized when Jews gather for their High Holy Days, their spiritual disciplines include seeking reconciliation with others whom they have wronged – not just in prayer, but in action, face to face, up close and personal. When Muslims observe Ramadan, they fast during daylight hours – for up to 30 days. Christians simply “go to church.” 

            That’s why I’m grateful we at Seneca Presbyterian Church took our week a baby step further. We have adopted the ancient custom of praying through the night of Maundy Thursday and into Good Friday. Jesus asked his disciples to keep vigil with him as he prayed, but they fell asleep. With the help of 18 faithful disciples (and others who kept watch for them as they prayed), we kept the vigil unbroken. We lifted up prayers for our church family and beyond our church family. We offered up our own prayers. In the quiet of a sanctuary illuminated by candles, we sought to both feel and understand what Jesus knew as he often kept an all night vigil in prayer.

            Spiritual practices are actions that help mold us into becoming the disciples of Christ we are called to be. Going to church is one of them. So is praying. So is fasting. So is seeking reconciliation with others. May this Holy Week deepen our practice of faith as we encounter once again the power of sin and the hope of resurrected life. 

            Oh – there is still one last practice you are invited to share. Join us for our sunrise worship service at 6:30 a.m. Easter morning. We will kindle the new fire and follow the light of the Risen Christ in joyful celebration. Then we will indulge in one more spiritual practice: feasting at our Easter Sunday fellowship breakfast. Everyone come!