Normally we would be preparing to come together in worship for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Holy Friday and Easter Sunday, but this year we cannot do that in the way we are used to. It can feel like a dark time for us spiritually.

But the story of Holy Week is the story of light conquering darkness, life conquering death, and God’s creative Spirit breaking forth to re-create and restore.

Out of the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spirit is calling to us as well. The Spirit of God is whispering to us, reminding us that God is not in one particular place, but available to us everywhere. As scripture reminds us, the Kingdom of God is within us – as near as our next breath.

In that same holy, creative Spirit, I want to share a few resources with you that you can use in your homes to celebrate the story of Holy Week.

For Maundy Thursday, gather around the table with those in your home (or virtually via web-chat) and join in this simple liturgy.

On Good Friday, pause to remember the crucifixion with this simple service.

For parents with young children, here is an excellent family devotion for Easter morning.

Also, for everyone, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church will be livestreaming a conference-wide Easter Worship Service on Easter morning at 9am and 11am. Join in live here at those times to hear a message from our Bishop Hope Morgan Ward.

While this is not a normal Holy Week, we trust that God’s creative spirit is still at work bringing light from the darkness. I hope these resources will help you to experience that light.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jim