Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter


Picture from a former "Easter Bonnet" Easter. Coats were hand-made by my mom.
The best story from today:

The senior pastor told about the Sunday School teacher who was telling the story of Jesus to her class, about his crucifixion, and death, how they sealed him in the tomb, and three days later he rose up. To create some excitement, she asked her students: "What do you think was the first thing Jesus said when he rose from the grave?" One little girl practically jumped out of her chair, raising her hand. "I know, I know", she cried. "What was it?" the teacher asked. The girl replied, "TA-DA!"

Highlights of the weekend:

Chanting the preface at all three services this morning. My stepson said that when I chanted, "with Mary Magdalen and Peter, with all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, with angels and archangels...." I should have included the dogs.

There were several small but important things that our intern usually did during Holy Week: Acolyte during Good Friday Tenebrae, Reader and Candle Bearer during Easter Vigil, Book Bearer for Festival Services. However, a few of our high school students got the opportunity to do some of these things this year.

I saw a tenth-grade boy all dressed up before the Tenebrae Service, and an older woman asked him, "Are you interested in the ministry?" To my surprise, he answered, "Yes."

I heard the mother of the tenth grade girl who assisted at our Easter Vigil, tell her, "You got to light the Holy Candle!" And I heard her older brother tell her what a good job she did, as she read from Isaiah 55.

I saw a 13 year old confirmation student dressed up as an acolyte for the first time, part of the processional. I've known her since she was three.

This more than makes up for the snow, and the absence of Easter bonnets this year.

Christ is risen indeed!

18 comments:

Fran said...

LOVING the new look. I am so tired I will simply say Easter Joy- Alleluia He is Risen.

I loved this post- I will say that too and good night!

Lori said...

Love the new masthead!

And hey, about that story. Our pastor told the EXACT same story this morning. Word for word.

Cecilia said...

What a rich collection of experiences from a Holy Week. Thank you for sharing them.

Pax, C.

Gannet Girl said...

"Ta-da!" Love it!

Annie's Mom said...

Sounds like a fulfilling Holy Week! Enjoy some rest!

And I look forward to hearing what you thought of Water for Elephants!

Diane M. Roth said...

chorus -- not QUITE done yet, but I'll share...probably will finish today or tonight...

Jan said...

Your pictures are wonderful! I love your top photo. Thanks.

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

yaaaay! glad you had a beautiful easter albeit a cold one...

mmm and like the new big photo - so spring and so hopeful...

Unknown said...

The story is priceless!

Rev SS said...

I love them too (photo, story, and observations) Thanks for this lovely post.

Terri said...

Oh. Happy Easter indeed!

Crimson Rambler said...

oh and the joy of watching the parish young'uns get big. And realizing that for a lot of them, at this point in their lives, you are THE minister. The only one. Ever. Whoo!
Happy Easter!

Lindy said...

I like the new look too, and I adore the little kids in the photo in the post but I can't tell which one is you.

A blessed Easter Week!

Lindy

Diane M. Roth said...

Lindy -- I'm on the left.

gartenfische said...

How beautiful, Diane.

Easter blessings!

I love the photo at the top of your blog. So great.

lauraj said...

Love your new look. And love this post. Happy Easter very late.

Lindy said...

Thanks Diane. It's a darling picture. I love that the other little girl is holding a picture of Jesus. You sitting there so poised, and her there with her picture of Jesus... it's just too much for words. You're darling!

redheadrev said...

Happy Easter (late) :) I tagged you for a meme. Check out my blog.