Our name for the Friday before Easter, “Good Friday,” is most likely related to the English and the Dutch, the only two languages that use this term, which etymologists say is likely an alteration of the Germanic word, “Goddes,” meaning “God’s” or “Holy.” That term does not mean “good.” The day is called Holy Friday in nearly all other languages in the world.
A similar process happened with the English word “goodbye,” which was formed over time as a contraction of “God be with ye.”
English speakers are no more saying that “it’s good to see you go” when they say goodbye than they are calling the day of Christ’s crucifixion good when they call it Good Friday. Holy, yes. Good? Not so much.
Good Friday, or Holy Friday as most of the rest of the world calls it in their languages, proclaims God’s purpose of loving and redeeming the world even in the face of human rejection and cruelty through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is a day that is holy and makes us holy because God was drawing the world to God’s self in Christ.
Every Palm Sunday, without fail, my father’s church choir in Connecticut sang this. I still know it nearly by heart.
This hymn for Palm Sunday was originally written in French as “Les rameaux” originally published in 1864 by French art collector, operatic baritone and composer Jean-Baptiste Fauré (1830–1914).
Jean-Baptiste Fauré should not be confused with French composer, organist, pianist and teacher Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) who composed a world-famous Requiem and other works.
An early English translation “Palm-Branches” was published by Oliver Ditson Co., Boston in “Gems of English Song” 1875. A number of other English translations have been made, and it has proved surprisingly difficult to identify the translators. One version is sometimes credited to Harrison Millard (1830-1895) – but other sources say he was simply an arranger.
I think, as a choir, we didn’t sound quite this good
Other Palm Sunday Music:
We are singing this at the Pender Contemporary Service this morning at 11:15:
We are singing this at Pender this year at the 9:00 traditional service, but without quite as much ceremony, and in English
This looks like fun – “Jerusalem, lift up your gates and sing!” Hosanna in the Highest to your King! Note that one person is playing a duet with himself.
Our goal is that all children will know and experience the love of God, and then extend that love to others.
Follow: We want those who are teaching and spending time with children at Pender to be followers of Jesus, who then teach children how to also be followers.
Reach: Our desire is for God to reach your child in a unique and meaningful way. This may come through some of our various Children’s Ministry events and activities, or through the loving community of Pender.
Transform: Ultimately, a relationship with Jesus changes lives. Living in the love that God has for us is a true gift and often times transforms the way in which we live.
We have activities for children during COVID!
Every Sunday
There are two Children’s Sunday School Classes meeting on Zoom at 10:00 am.
Fun with Music. Music and fellowship for children (ages 0-5) and their parents and/or guardians. Contact the webmaster for more information.
March 21, 2021
The final How to Draw Session.
David Raich has been offering How To Draw lessons for children from Pre-K through 6th Grade.
Join us for the final class at 1pm on Sunday, March 21! Sign up at How to Draw Class
April 3, Easter Egg-stravaganza
The youth are hosting the Easter Egg-stravaganza for the church this year! It’s going to be a day where the youth are serving our community by hosting a fun event for the kiddos!
Check in starts at 12:45pm and the event runs from 1pm-2:30pm.
Starting after Easter
Children’s in-person Chime Group led by Brian Stevenson.
April 19, 2021
Children’s Storytime with Miss Ann and Mr Jim from 1-2 pm. In the parking lot.
May 17, 2021
Children’s Storytime with Miss Ann and Mr Jim from 1-2 pm. In the parking lot.
June 21-25, 2021
VBS (Vacation Bible School) Mystery Island
More information coming soon!
In case you missed it:
Our second “Pender Talk” webinar was February 24, 2021. Dr. K. Drew Baker told us about the difficulties children are facing during this pandemic.
He shared how to help children now, as well as how to help them get ready to go back to school face to face.
When we are COVID-free, Pender offers numerous activities for children of all ages:
Sunday worship (All ages!) – At Pender children are encouraged and invited to participate in worship at church.
Sunday School (newborn- 6th grade) – on Sunday morning, at 10:15, we offer Sunday school for children 2 years old through 6th grade. They are in classes with friends that are around the same age as them so they can learn more about God’s love together. We are currently using Orange Curriculum which is amazing! Their goal is to connect the church and family together to deepen the faith of children!
Sunday Morning Nursery– Babies up to 2 years old are welcome in the nursery during the 9:00 and the 11:15 am service. The nursery provides a warm and loving environment for the children. We also have a pager system to ensure safety and communication with parents. We also have the nursery open during other worship services that Pender offers.
Children’s Church– During the 9 :00 service we have a children’s message within the service specifically for kids! After this time of learning, children 2 years old through second grade are welcome to go downstairs for Children’s church.
Jesus Loves You (JLU) (4th – 6th graders) – On the second Sunday of every month JLU meets and has a time of fellowship, learning, and fun together! They meet from 5-7pm and learn more about God together.
Pender is dedicated to having family events throughout the year where the whole family can come and experience God’s love and fellowship with others together.
All teachers are required to submit to a thorough background check and complete Child Protection Training. In addition, all teacher helpers must attend training.
I want to encourage you to participate in our “Ash Wednesday” livestream this Wednesday, February 17, at 7pm.
As always, we will be on YouTube, Facebook, and the church’s website and we’ll be returning to a presentation style that is more familiar to you. You might be asking, “Why do we need Lent this year?” With the pandemic, we’ve been through the “Lentiest Lent that has ever Lented”. As for self-reflection, “Just what do you think we were doing during the months we were on lock-down?”
But, maybe this year, more than ever, we need to focus on Jesus. We need to focus on the cross and the hope it brings. In the Lenten box delivered to your home, get your charcoal out and be ready at 7pm on Wednesday! I’ll provide instructions as to how to apply “the sign of the cross” during the livestream.
Grace and Peace,
Will
p.s. Children love symbols, so please include them. There will be a special “Time with Children” for them.
“Yet Even Now”
Worship Service, Time with Children, Sermon, Use of Ashes
(In your Lenten bag, there is some charcoal, please have it on hand when the service begins. Please enjoy the soup supper before or after worship as a reminder to live simply during Lent.)
Adults, please listen for the answers to the following…
What is the significance of the ashes?
What kind of ashes do we use “normally”?
What does it mean to repent?
Why is that important?
Think about what YOU can do to participate in Lenten discipline this year.
Help children experience Ash Wednesday…
First, include them! Kid’s love symbols. They get it!
Tell the children that they know the “brands” of their sneakers, backpacks, coats, etc. Ask them to tell you about their favorite brands…
Then say, “What does it mean to make the cross your ‘brand’ for life”?
Tell them, “From tonight until Easter Sunday (April 4th), we want to be the best followers of Jesus we can be.”
Ask them, “What should we do?”
Then ask, “What should we not do?”
Tell them that the sign of the ashes means, “You belong to Jesus.” Encourage them to wear the sign of the cross (charcoal) on their foreheads for the rest of the night.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God.
Our Ash Wednesday service will begin at 7:00 pm with Soup and a Discussion online.
And Chuck Knows Church says…
Ever seen a little smudge mark on someone’s forehead as they walk out of church? That’s a sign of the cross and it means it’s Ash Wednesday during Lent. Chuck tells you about this important worship service:
News and Views 