Matthew 28: 1-10
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
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Dear Friends,
As I read the Easter account in Matthew, in preparation for Easter preaching, I am struck by all the drama, trauma and raw emotions in the account. This NIV (new international version) version , like all bible translations, has been revised and translated over the ages. I wonder what the first unfiltered draft reads like?
How might the women have named their feelings after experiencing a rock splitting earthquake, encountering the tomb with the stone that sealed the tomb rolled back, guards, traumatized by the terror of it all and an angel messenger sitting on the stone telling them do not be afraid? Finally, Jesus is risen!
I would be very afraid. I would hardly have words. I would be emotionally overwhelmed. Easter may also promote feelings of discomfort. I think Easter is about God’s dramatic action of raising Jesus from the dead and our formation as an Easter people. Matthew tells us that the women feeling both fear and joy, encounter Jesus some distance from the tomb, they are on a spiritual journey, rumbling with their emotions and experiences.
I am part of a small group where at least two women lost their spouses as a result of terminal cancer and they were sharing about their journey from devastation to new life and the value of holding space to rumble with their emotions.
Easter is both God’s creative event and a journey! Jesus rises from the dead and we can also rise strong from our traumatic endings and experience new beginnings. Jesus meets us on the road, invites us on a path and says to us “Do Not Be Afraid.” Come for Easter Breakfast at 9:15 am at Lowville UC and stay on for the Easter Celebration Service. Jesus promises to meet us and bless us as we launch into our new beginning. Don’t be afraid of the Easter rumble! Embrace it! Happy Easter!
Please see the Easter Flyer for our Holy Week Events, Good Friday and Easter Service. As a heads up, on April 12th, we will celebrate Holy Humour Sunday, be prepared to experience a little lightness and laughter!
Below you will find some Historic Holy Week Traditions:
Traditional Schedule and Significance of Holy Week (Western Tradition)
Date Observance Key Meaning & Events
March 30. Holy Monday. Traditionally recalls the cleansing of the Temple or the anointing of Jesus at Bethany.
March 31. Holy Tuesday. Commemorates Jesus teaching in the Temple and foretelling his betrayal and Peter's denial.
April 1. Spy Wednesday. Recalls Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
April 2. Maundy Thursday Commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the feet.
April 3. Good Friday. A solemn day of mourning marking Jesus' crucifixion and death.
April 4. Holy Saturday. A day of quiet reflection as Jesus' body lay in the tomb; the Easter Vigil begins after sundown.
April 5. Easter Sunday. The joyful celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
LENTEN/EASTER SERVICES
April 3rd – Good Friday (10 AM).
April 5th – Easter Sunday (10 AM)
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join Rev Roni in a Study based on John Mark Comer’s “Practicing the Way” Thursdays (10am -11:30) Zimmerman Room April 16, 23 & 30 May 7, 21, & 28. All welcome!
UCW meeting Wed Apr 8 (11:30am) Zimmerman Rm. Bring your lunch.
SAVE THE DATE Sat May 9 (3pm) Lowville United Church. Come listen to The Major 7th Band and hear songs of Gordon Lightfoot With some by his Canadian contemporaries, Please see attached flyer.
REV RONI`S OFFICE HOURS at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am - 3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416) 271- 531 (text, email or phone for appointment).
REFRESHMENTS Choose a Sunday to bring “after Worship” refreshments. Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).
LOWVILLE CARES Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.
ONLINE CALENDAR Did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.
DONATIONS to Lowville United Church can now be made online by scanning the following QR code with your phone or by clicking the Donation link at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca
