In just a few weeks we will be worshipping on Palm Sunday, that day when we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. They waved palm fronds and called out, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD, the King of Israel!" While many hailed him as a King we now know that Jesus was actually riding in that day as a King who would be crucified.
Many people were willing to stand in the crowd and wave a palm frond to welcome Jesus as he rode into town in triumph. But where was this great crowd on the night He was betrayed? Why didn't they stop the people who had the immense unkindness to jeer at Him and insult Him while He was in agony on the cross? On Good Friday, they all hid. They denied they knew Him. With the exception of Jesus' mother and His best friend, they forgot about the dedication they had on Palm Sunday.
Perhaps this is part of the reason why from earliest times Christians gather to celebrate Easter not with a single service, but with a week: Holy Week. In doing so we stand in solidarity with Jesus not only on Palm Sunday, or Easter Sunday, but also on some of those key days in between, when Jesus was largely abandoned. Watching and praying with Him on Maundy Thursday, waiting at the cross with Him on Good Friday, gathering for the Holy Saturday Vigil looking for the first signs of resurrection light in the darkness, we journey with our Savior and remind one another that His story has become our story.
City Church encourages you this year to fully participate in a journey together to follow Jesus through all of our Holy Week services. We see each of these services not as stand alone events, but as part of a holistic experience that more fully engages us in the story that shapes and defines our lives. The week culminates in one service on Easter Sunday at Davies Symphony Hall.
A word about that gathering is in order as well. We struggled last year to uphold a key ministry commitment: hospitality. The crowds were so great last Easter that we came very close to turning people away, and probably did turn some away as they saw the line going around the block. Meeting at Davies enables us to make room for you, your friends, and your family as well as provide space for us to offer a special musical performance for Children's Ministry.
I want to ask you to think about 2 things. First, whom might you bring to this very special service, as it will be a tremendous "bringer" event for both singles and families? Secondly, I'd ask you to consider volunteering on this Sunday if you are not bringing folks with you, as we will need an expanded army of volunteers on this particular Sunday.
Friends, let's imagine together a Davies Symphony Hall filled with people, celebrating the resurrection, or perhaps considering it seriously for the first time! Only 15 years ago we packed out the Presidio Chapel for our first Easter service together. This year we will see upwards of 2000 gathering. God is at work in San Francisco, and it is our great privilege to join Him in the great work He is doing!
more information on Holy Week >