Happy Holy Week! 

Historically, the week before Easter (or as we refer to it at Hill City, "Resurrection Sunday") is the most critical in our faith.  

I've carried a burden for Good Friday for many years, and this year, I'm offering us a change of pace from our standard "Do Good Friday." This year, I've had in my heart to teach the journey that Jesus walked to the cross. And therefore, I'm asking us to gather this Friday evening for a communion service. We will read scripture, pray relevant prayers, and honor God by reflecting on Jesus' pathway to the cross. This service will hold no glitz or glamor. But If I may kindly make clear the burden I've carried in my heart for many years: We cannot fully enjoy the power of the resurrection without first comprehending the difficulty of the crucifixion. When I make that statement, I recognize that we may have a presupposition for what a Good Friday service would look like based on our experience in faith. But to assure you, I'll promise that we are taking a traditional service and updating it the Hill City way. 

Good Friday service will be at 6:30 p.m. this Friday at Carlynton. This will be a swift but meaningful, family communion service. 

Afterward, I'm encouraging Anywhere groups to get together for dinner or dessert. The word "Communion" means "Common Union." While Jesus taught us to reflect on our lives in light of the cross as we receive communion together, he also taught us this during the Passover meal, which carried deep historical significance, received around the table with his closest friends. 

Easter is the best time for someone to hear about Jesus for the first time or reengage with their faith. On Resurrection Sunday, I carry the goal that our celebration of the resurrection will be so much richer in light of the pain Jesus endured at the cross. We'll be finishing our "I Am's of Jesus" series as I teach on Jesus' saying, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life." (If you want to get caught up on the I Am's of Jesus, you can do so here! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp0QfFo5xtY27hPeEZMxGiHx76v7P1wXe) 
  

Please pray with me that many people come to Jesus this Sunday in our church and churches like ours throughout the city. Resurrection Sunday service will be held at 10 a.m. at Carlynton. Kids ministry runs like normal. You can find any details you need on https://www.hillcitypgh.com.  

Lastly, I'd encourage you to prepare your heart for this powerful week simply by reading the following chapters in the book of Matthew. 

  • Today (Palm Sunday), Matthew 21

  • Monday, Matthew 22

  • Tuesday, Matthew 23

  • Wednesday, Matthew 24

  • Thursday, Matthew 25

  • Friday, Matthew 26

  • Saturday, Matthew 27

  • Sunday, Matthew 28

As we begin the most critical week in our faith, church family, and I'm praying specifically that the path of our savior and the power of His resurrection impacts you in a new and profound way.