My Friends,Holy Week is upon us; a sacred time, as the season changes, so do our lives.  This season of sacred weather invites us to slow down, to be more intentional about the lessons of Jesus’ life! Consider all the tension, heartbreak, and the mystery that comes with it. It’s not always easy, nor is it comfortable and sometimes it draws us into uncomfortable places! This week reminds us that God does not shy away from suffering. God doesn’t eliminate pain or pretend everything is fine. God does enter into the human experience—and into our doubts, our heartbreaks, our fears—that we sometimes experience! As Maundy Thursday invites us to a table— for a simple meal, shared among friends. Good Friday lowers us into sorrow and silence. Of those things in life that we have done, and left undone!  Holy Saturday asks us to be kind and patient to self and others. And then—then comes Easter morning, bursting with light, hope and all things possible.Holy Week doesn’t demand that we be strong—it asks us to be present!  To listen to those whom we don’t always hear, feel or remember.This is a story of God’s love! The one who loves us so much that nothing—not even death—gets the last word.So wherever you are this week—whether your heart is overflowing or barely hanging on—I hope that you allow yourself to step into this sacred story. Not for answers, but for the truth: that love is stronger than fear, that grace is deeper than despair, and that Jesus walks with us, always.Wishing you peace, courage, and the quiet hope that grows even in the shadows!

God’s Peace, John

Inaugural meeting of St. Paul’s Women’s Book Club is on April 30 from 7-9 p.m! 

We will be discussing Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson.  Housekeeping was written in 1980 and was a finalist for that year’s Pulitzer Prize.  It’s been on several “100 Greatest Novels of All Time” lists.  

Please RSVP to lauramspear@gmail.com or text/call 215-870-3476 if you are interested in joining us! We will meet at Anneke Krall’s house at 303 Sterling Road in Elkins Park.

We are celebrating spring birthdays with an Afternoon Tea Party on March 22 from 2-5 p.m.! Please RSVP by March 9.