Life at Holy Cross Vol. 3- Maundy Thursday. Good Friday.

For you.

These church holidays that I've experienced each year for over 30 years can sometimes seem mundane to me. That's why I'm thankful that Holy Cross's innovation leads me to see them in new ways. This year for Holy Week we were treated to textile work by Sara Nordling. On Maundy Thursday, her piece, Staccato adorned the altar. Paul, my husband if you're new here, preached that evening. He invited us to see the Lord's Supper in a new way. We commonly hear the words, "given for you" over and over again and I think most of us hear them in a corporal, or group, way. That Christ died for the sins of the Church. Paul invited us to think of the Lord's Supper with separation and definition, as Sara's piece shows not just visually but also with its name. Staccato is a musical term that instructs instrumentalists to play each note detached and distinct from each other. Christ died for all of us, yes. But I remember that he died for me. For Paul. For Sara. For you. This gift is meant for every. single. person.

Weaving.

On Good Friday I snuck up to one of our side balconies. I've never seen anyone else sit up there, mainly because we don't need the space but also because those pews are 100% less comfortable than the ones downstairs. But I wanted a new view and since this wasn't a communion service, I didn't have to worry about getting down at any certain time.

Once again we were treated to Sara's textile work. A piece called Adagio, dark and somber, adored the altar while two other darker pieces were on the pulpit and lectern. Dried flowers on the altar added to the subdued atmosphere.

Pastor Bob used the theme of weaving for his sermon. He talked about how God has woven a multitude of disparate threads over time to this one moment; Christ's death. This is the culmination. So far, at least.

Paul and April, one of our parishioners and an incredibly talented musician and artist, sang a piece he arranged. You can hear it here at 58:44.

After the reading about Jesus' crucifixion, another piece from Sara was introduced. Grave Clothes was processed and placed over the chancel crucifix. The service ended with a piece by Arvo Pärt whom we had heard from throughout both services. We have many talented people at Holy Cross and our organist, Kevin, is among the most talented. He played Pärt's pieces beautifully.

We left in silence, as I've always been used to doing after a Good Friday service. I spent some time photographing Sara's pieces in the chancel. Photographing has always been a fairly devotional practice for me. I wasn't the only one standing around the pieces. Some other folks had stuck around to take a closer look and speak with Sara. We were all still whispering, though. The tone was still somber, but happy. Us Holy Crossers really like each other and not even the sadness of Good Friday can keep us from enjoying each others company. I'm really grateful for that, and even more grateful for what is to come on Sunday.

To be continued.