What is Holy Week All About?

    If you were asked what the most important holiday is for most Americans you would have to say Christmas, of course. I would venture to say that it is the most celebrated holiday in western culture, for Christians and non-Christians. I have a Rabbi friend who says how much it irritates him that even members of his congregation celebrate Christmas more fully than they do Hanukkah! Western Capitalism has done a wonderful job of using a Christian celebration for the purposes of economic growth. But should it be the most important holiday for Christians?  No!

 In fact, there would be no celebration of Christmas whatsoever were it not for Easter. If Jesus had simply lived a long, wise, loving life, and then died at an old age working at Joseph’s carpentry bench. Or, if He had the very same life that we see in Scripture, ending it on a cross, but without resurrection, He would have become just another poor Jew killed by the Romans; Probably not even mentioned in the footnotes of history.

    But because He was resurrected, making clear to those who believed, that His life and death were the very work of God Himself, the “first day of the week,” resurrection day, not only became the Christian sabbath, but that particularday in history (near the Jewish Passover Feast) became an annual celebration: Easter! The birth of Jesus only became significant because of the resurrection of Jesus, so surely Christians would have to say that Easter, not Christmas, is the most important holiday (Holy Day) of the year. 

    Over time, the liturgical calendar got developed a bit more, and Christians began to practice other important observances, like a day of mourning focused on the crucifixion (Good Friday). In time an entire season of the liturgical year was devoted to preparation for Easter, the Season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates with Holy Week. The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ last entrance into Jerusalem before He is arrested. Through Holy Week Christians seek to follow Jesus as He goes through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, to deepen our devotion and understanding of what God has done in Christ, and what it means in the context of our daily lives. 

    Maundy Thursday (from the Latin, “mandatum,” which means, “command”),  commemorates that evening when Jesus, just before His crucifixion, has a Last Supper with His Disciples, and commands them to love one another. His last teaching, the summation of His Life and Purpose, is spelled out as He washes His disciple’s feet, being their servant so that they might be servants to others and thereby reflect the sacrificial love of God. On Maundy Thursday many Christians re-enact that holy evening by washing each other’s feet, and receiving Communion. 

    Good Friday is a very somber day. Many Christians do not work on Good Friday, but spend the day in quiet and devotional contemplation of the crucifixion of Jesus. Some churches have simple services, in darkened churches, with prayers and the procession of a bare wooden cross.  Some churches walk the “stations” of the cross: recalling each moment that led to the crucifixion, by leading worshipers in procession from one representation to another, reading the pertinent Scripture, and saying prayers, before moving to the next station. For example, they might begin at a small statue or painting of Jesus being tried before Pilate, reading that particular Scripture passage, and saying prayers before walking to the next artistic representation of Jesus’ Passion.

    Holy Saturday is that last day of Holy Week, and worship on that day is typically very late, as late as midnight, and often seen as the first Eucharist of Easter. Many Christians participate in a vigil that begins in a darkened church (as though we are in the tomb with Jesus), and through a thoughtful presentation of “salvation history,” from Genesis, to Revelation, with Scripture readings and music, the darkened church becomes an utterly transformed space, full of light and celebration- Easter has Come!  Alleluia!

What is The Purpose of the Season of Lent?

 

    In the Christian Church there are two basic liturgical cycles that shape the annual calendar. The first is a cycle with the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) at the heart of it, and the second is a cycle with the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter) at the heart of it. Each cycle has a season that anticipates the Principal Feast, and each cycle has a season that succeeds the Principal Feast.  For Christmas, the season that anticipates it is Advent (a time of preparation for the coming of Christ), and the season that succeeds it is Epiphany (a time that represents the carrying forth of the Light of Christ to those beyond Israel). For Easter, the season that anticipates it is Lent (a season of repentance and preparation), and the season that succeeds it is Pentecost (a season that celebrates the Power of the Holy Spirit raising up the Church to spread the Love and Joy of Christ throughout the world).  The purpose in having a liturgical calendar is so that Christians are marking their lives, keeping time, by following the life of Jesus, rather than just secular celebrations. The idea is that rather than having our lives shaped primarily by President’s Day, the Fourth of July, etc., our lives are primarily shaped by the Life of the Lord.  We begin the year with Advent, anticipating His birth, and then follow the development of His life all the way around to the next Advent, such that all the Scripture lessons read through the year correspond to the liturgical calendar and keep pace with the developments of His life.

    As I write this we are about to enter the season of Lent.  Lent, as I’ve indicated, is a season of repentance (not that repentance is neglected the rest of the year, but that it’s emphasized as we anticipate the crucifixion of Jesus); it’s a time when we step back to take stock of our lives, in relation to the Life of Christ, and to look more deeply at those things that keep us from being fully God’s. Lent lasts for 40 days (reflecting the 40 days that the Lord was in the desert after His baptism, being tempted by Satan). These 40 days begin with Ash Wednesday (a service at which we are both reminded of our mortality and  dependence on God- “ashes to ashes”-and of God’s Grace, as the ashes are placed in the form of the cross of Christ), and end with the first Eucharist of Easter. If you count these days on a calendar you’ll find that to get 40 days, you actually skip all the Sundays, as Sundays in the Church are always seen as Celebrations of the Resurrection. The liturgical color that dominates Lent is the color purple, reminding us that in the midst of His Passion they placed a purple robe on Jesus (making fun of Him by calling Him “King of the Jews”).  During this season no bells are rung in church, the word “alleluia” is not said, no flowers are placed on the altar (though greenery is allowed), and no festive celebrations are held. It is a time to focus deeply on what God has done in the cross of Christ; a time to consider what it meant for God to become incarnate, to suffer, and to die, out of love for us.  This is a time to ask earnestly if our lives have been truly shaped by that love; whether they reflect the gratitude that should be a proper response to such sacrificial love. It is, in other words, a time to prepare for New Life, to be resurrected in the way we live, as we celebrate the joyous Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Day.

    One very important part of this season on which I have not focused in this brief essay, is what we call “Holy Week,” that last week that begins with Palm Sunday, follows with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and finally, Easter.  Each of these days has its’ own significance, underscoring the final hours of the Lord’s life (Palm Sunday, His final entrance into Jerusalem; Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper and the washing of feet; Good Friday, the somber focus on the crucifixion; and, Holy Saturday, oftentimes marked by a Vigil- a long service that begins at night in the dark, but moves into bright light, celebrating the First Eucharist of Easter). 

    The longstanding practice of liturgical seasons in God’s Church is simply a disciplined effort to have our lives more shaped by the Lord than by the world.

The Meaning of Epiphany

 “Epiphany” is an odd word that doesn’t get used very much in our daily vocabularies, but it’s an important word in God’s Church.  Together with Christmas and Easter, Epiphany is among the most important celebrations in worldwide Christianity. After the 12 Days of Christmas (December 25- January 5) the Season of Epiphany begins with the Feast of Epiphany, on January 6th.  The word Epiphany comes from the Greek, and means “to reveal” or “to show forth.”  In the context of Christianity, it has to do with the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God who has come into the world as a gift of love and grace for all people. The primary Scripture lessons during this season are the visitation of the Wise Men (Jesus for the Greeks and not just the Jews); the Baptism (Jesus revealed as the very Son of God, God incarnate in the world); and the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding at Cana in Galilee (the water is turned to wine, a symbol of the new wine of God’s Grace that is being revealed, in anticipation of the ultimate purpose of Jesus, “The marriage feast of the Lamb” when God restores the whole creation to Himself).

    The Season of Epiphany stretches from the end of Christmas to Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. The primary symbol and theme of Epiphany is light, because “Jesus is the Light of the World.”  This is an important truth for Christians as it reminds us that Jesus didn’t come into the world just for Jews, or just for those Gentiles who converted and became Christians, but for the whole world. From the beginning, as God reached out to form a relationship with Abraham and his progeny, He promised that He would use the family of Abraham (Israel) as a vessel to draw the whole world to Himself; to restore His creation to the beauty, love, and harmony for which it was created, and to an intimate relationship with Himself.  God’s love for all people is a Truth that can be found in both the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible), and the New Testament. We see, for example, in the Book of Jonah, how God called Jonah to go to the people of Nineveh (the hated enemy of Israel) to call them to a relationship with God. Jonah was not excited about this, and in fact hoped for their destruction. Near the end of the book, God says to Jonah, in essence, that He gave life to the Ninevites and cares for them as well as the people of Israel. Similarly, in the New Testament, we see Jesus engaging pagans (the Roman soldier whose servant He healed; the Syro-Phonesian woman whose daughter He healed; the Samaritan Woman at the Well- Samaritans were seen by Jews as being little more than pagan) with warmth and kindness, knowing that God loves them too. 

    The revelation that the God of Christianity loves and cares for the whole world is a loving and joyous proclamation that needs to be heard today as much as it did in the first century.  There is such hatred and division in the world, and all too often Christianity contributes to that hatred and division, rather than acting as a bridge of loving kindness.  Those who claim to follow Jesus are charged with acting as “the Body of Christ” still upon the earth (Jesus is no longer with us physically, but has sent His Spirit to dwell within us and use us as His vessel), continuing the work of Jesus, a work of reconciling love. To spread the Light of Epiphany is not to use that light to hate and condemn others, it is to allow that Light to so penetrate our hearts that we become instruments of God’s Love.

Innovative Fundraising Ideas for Christian Outreach

Charity, which finds contemporary expression in community outreach programs, is a core component of the Christian faith. Churches and Christian organizations require substantial amounts of money to embark on outreach efforts. However, the conventional fundraising means of churches collecting tithes, offerings, and periodic levies often prove inadequate. This state of affairs has influenced the rise of innovative fundraising means to enable Christian bodies to achieve their charitable objectives.

Festival-based challenges are a creative means by which churches and Christian organizations can raise money with relative ease. Given that Christmas, one of the biggest holidays of the year, is associated with giving, Christian bodies can develop a donation challenge in line with the season. Penitence and generosity are also synonymous with Lent, the forty days preceding Easter. A donation challenge linked with a major Christian festival provides church members and external donors with a stronger incentive to give to those in need. Given the mass appeal of a festival-based donation challenge, a Christian body can prescribe a modest minimum amount to encourage donations.

Christian bodies, especially local churches, can secure additional funding by either organizing local sports competitions or providing viewership for major sporting events. With the former option, local churches can charge entry fees and approach members for event sponsorship beforehand. Local churches can also charge small business owners, members, and non-members alike, interested in booking stalls. Additionally, local churches with many young children may also charge for babysitting, depending on the length of the competition.

Local churches may also organize skill acquisition initiatives. Church leaders may enlist professionals among the congregation to facilitate different sessions. For a well-rounded experience, church leaders may also reach out to professionals outside the congregation. Churches may charge a fee for interested members and make registration open to non-members. This would serve to offset operational costs and pay for the facilitators’ services, where the facilitators insist on payment.

Furthermore, Christian bodies may also collaborate on art auctions. Church leaders may incorporate art auctions into festivals like Christmas and Easter, during which church members have a greater incentive to create season-appropriate artworks. Homemade craft pieces and embroidery can also be sold at art auctions. In addition, church leaders can encourage local artists outside their congregation to showcase their pieces in the auctions. An art auction may be silent, meaning that bidders write their bids down for an artwork, with the bids concealed from other bidders. These auctions may also be online, which enables interested bidders residing far from the church in question to participate. Churches may derive funds from donated works, the commissions on artwork sold, or from entry fees.

Christian bodies may also provide a suite of services such as car washing and snow shoveling in their communities in exchange for donations. Church leaders may assign these tasks to their younger members while appointing supervisors to oversee them. Ideally, a local church seeking to provide temporary car wash services may find a local business that will let them wash cars on their property. Local churches can also save on operational costs by asking members to contribute the cleaning or shoveling equipment at their disposal.

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The Importance of Diversity in a Christian Church

Christ Church Tallahassee believes in welcoming everyone into the Church. It is a diverse church composed of many different people from many different backgrounds.
Diversity is a key component of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that God created all people in his image, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. This means that all people are equal in the eyes of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
A diverse church is one that reflects the diversity of God’s creation. It is a place where people from all walks of life can come together to worship God and learn from each other. A diverse church is also a more welcoming and inclusive place, where everyone feels like they belong.
There are many benefits to having a diverse church. First, it allows people to learn about different cultures and perspectives. When people from different backgrounds come together, they can share their stories and learn from each other. This can help to break down stereotypes and build bridges between people.
Second, a diverse church can help to promote understanding and tolerance. When people from different backgrounds interact with each other on a regular basis, they are more likely to develop a sense of empathy and understanding for each other. This can help to create a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Third, a diverse church can be a powerful force for social justice. When people from different backgrounds come together, they can use their collective power to address issues such as poverty, racism, and sexism. A diverse church can be a powerful voice for change in the world.
Of course, there are also challenges to having a diverse church. One challenge is that it can be difficult to create a sense of community when people come from different backgrounds. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to overcome prejudice and stereotypes. However, the benefits of having a diverse church far outweigh the challenges.
If you are looking for a church that is welcoming, inclusive, and committed to diversity, then you should look for a church that embodies these qualities in its congregation. A diverse church is a place where you can grow in your faith, learn from others, and make a difference in the world.
Here are some specific ways that diversity can be beneficial for a Christian church:

• It can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices. When people from different backgrounds interact with each other on a regular basis, they have the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures and experiences. This can help to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, and create a more understanding and tolerant community.
• It can help to enrich worship. When people from different backgrounds come together to worship, they can bring their unique gifts and talents to the table. This can help to create a more vibrant and meaningful worship experience for everyone.
• It can help to broaden the church’s perspective on social issues. When people from different backgrounds come together to discuss social issues, they can bring their unique perspectives to the table. This can help the church to develop a more comprehensive understanding of these issues, and to develop more effective strategies for addressing them.
  Overall, diversity is a valuable asset for any Christian church. It can help to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant community. If you are looking for a church that is committed to diversity, then please visit us at Christ Church Tallahassee and visit our website at christchurchtallahassee.org.

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Worship in the Anglican Tradition in a Non-Denominational Church

Christ Church is a non-denominational church that worships in the Anglican tradition. How does this work.
The Anglican tradition of worship is a rich and diverse one, with roots in both the Catholic and Protestant traditions. Anglicans believe that the Bible is the primary source of authority for Christian faith and practice, and they use the Book of Common Prayer as their guide for worship. The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of prayers, and liturgies that have been used by Anglicans for centuries.
Anglican worship services typically follow a set order, which includes readings from the Bible, prayers, hymns, and a sermon. The order of service may vary from church to church, but it will always include the essential elements of Christian worship.
One of the key features of Anglican worship is its emphasis on the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. Anglicans believe that the Eucharist is a sacrament, which means that it is a sacred act that conveys God’s grace to the believer. The Eucharist is celebrated at every Sunday service, and it is also celebrated on other special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter.
Another key feature of Anglican worship is its use of music. Anglicans believe that music is a powerful way to express our love for God and our gratitude for his blessings. Hymns are an important part of every Anglican worship service, and they are often used to lead the congregation in prayer and praise.
Anglican worship is a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with God and with other believers. It is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries, and it continues to offer a sense of peace, hope, and joy to those who participate.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Anglican worship among non-denominational churches. This is due in part to the fact that Anglican worship is both traditional and contemporary. It is rooted in the ancient Christian faith, but it also uses modern music and language to make it accessible to a wider audience.
There are many benefits to incorporating Anglican worship into a non-denominational church. First, it can help to create a sense of unity and community among the congregation. When people come together to worship in a traditional way, it can help them to feel like they are part of something larger than themselves.
Second, Anglican worship can help to deepen people’s faith. When people are exposed to the rich tradition of Christian worship, it can help them to grow in their understanding of God and his love for them.
Third, Anglican worship can be a powerful tool for evangelism. When people see the beauty and joy of Christian worship, it can be an invitation to them to learn more about Jesus Christ.
If you are considering incorporating Anglican worship into your non-denominational church, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, find a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and read through it. This will give you a good overview of the Anglican tradition of worship.
Second, find an Anglican church in your area and visit a service. This will give you a chance to see how Anglican worship is done in practice.
Finally, talk to your pastor and other leaders in your church about incorporating Anglican worship into your services. They can help you to make the transition and ensure that it is done in a way that is faithful to the Anglican tradition.
Incorporating Anglican worship into a non-denominational church can be a great way to deepen the faith of your congregation and to reach out to those who are searching for God. If you are considering it, I encourage you to give it a try.

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The Role of Christianity in the Society

 For centuries, the church has shaped the perception of millions about living and what living stands for. The church has been a shining light and a guiding compass about what constitutes godly and ungodly conduct. The biblical command "love your neighbor as yourself" is an iconic statement about social behavior and morality.

The church functions as the center of society, thus establishing a direct correlation between the church and society. Christ made it clear that because the church was called out from the world (society), they were always influencing one another.

The church is the "called out ones," present in the world but not belonging to it. Christians are subject to laws from "another world," although living in the physical world. As in any dynamic system, the church and society are two systems requiring interaction. So, it can be said that all components of all systems are interconnected in an infinitely intricate web of life.

The word "Christian" was first used in Antioch to refer to those who follow or are like Christ. So, Christians are people who adhere to and live out the teachings of Jesus in all spheres of their lives. Peace represents one of the pinnacles of Christian virtue. The Bible commands Christians to love and coexist in harmony with their neighbors. In Matthew 5:9, the Bible says, "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."

The Bible frequently uses the term "peace," which is important to how God intends people to spend their lives on earth. As stated in the Scripture above, Jesus desires people to live peacefully in society. This is exactly what he came to teach men.

Through the old testament, Prophet Amos, in Amos chapter five, pleaded for justice. He described a regressive mechanism for what amounted to taxes. He speaks about justice occurring behind the walls. Because of how their judicial system was set up, the highest bidder received justice. He steps in to stop systems that severely abuse the underprivileged.

The kings, their officials, and elites of the Jewish society received harsh criticism from almost every biblical prophet as they enacted policies that disadvantaged the underprivileged and those living in poverty. The prophets warned authorities against establishing a society where the wealthy became richer and the poor remained impoverished, violating God's command to care for the less privileged.

Sojourners Magazine notes that the Bible mentions empathy and doing what is good for the weak and disadvantaged more than 2,000 times. In the hopes of avoiding the inequalities that hold those who are poor and suffering, the church cannot decide to stay neutral.

The Bible contains criticism of unjust economic systems that resulted in inequality and discusses the necessity for people to donate to the needy. Biblical leaders are challenged to make institutions more equitable. In Matthew 25, Jesus suggests that God divides the world's nations into sheep and goats, with the sheep countries being countries that cared the least for the weakest members of their civilization.