Dear Members and Friends,

        Eight daysꟷthe time to go from Triumph to Triumph. Eight daysꟷthat begin with anticipation and end with resurrection. Eight daysꟷthat encapsulate what many have found to be the compelling message of hope and salvation for all of creation. Eight daysꟷfilled with the most unimaginable suffering and the most miraculous joy. Holy Week is more than just another week.

           There are many ways to walk through these eight days, but may I suggest that we walk through each day with intentionality. For me, intentionality means both structure and openness to the inbreaking of the Holy Spirit. Intentionality means choosing to participate in all eight days and not just the two Sundays. We are invited to participate together in Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We are invited to individually take note of the time that Jesus spent in Jerusalem, coming into the temple, teaching and healing and worshiping each day. We are also invited into the isolation and silence and loneliness of the tomb on Saturday.

           How will you journey through next week with intention? How will you participate in and be open to the realities of life, death, and resurrection? May the story of Holy Week be more than a memory. May it become a prayer… may it be a promise.

Grace and Peace,

Daren Hofmann