Yellow Pine Pollen

Word from Wiese

27 March 2024

You know you live in Georgia . . . when the layer of yellow pine pollen on your car windows is thicker than the layer of frosting on your birthday cake!

The other day, I had to wrap up a garden hose and my hands became a disgusting mess of yellow gunk. Scared to open the door with those grimy grainy hands, I wiped them in the grass but that almost made matters worse. Yuck. And God bless those of you for whom the yellow yuck instigates runny noses or itchy eyes!

This past Sunday at 4 PM, Miss Ingrid and our Children’s Ministry Team, after a sensational morning of Palm Sunday “Cry of the Congregation” services, offered a dynamic “Walk Through Jerusalem” experience. At each station, families interacted with a place or dimension of Holy Week. The station I curated with Kim Mashburn and Linda Volckmann was foot-washing. We told the story of Jesus kneeling down to wash the feet of his disciples as we re-enacted the washing with each of the participants. With clumps of yellow pollen still pervasive around the church patio, kids and adults alike could easily appreciate the value of cleansing water for one’s feet before coming inside to eat or hop into bed.

Along with foot-washing, this Holy Week is a star-studding series of meaningful spiritual gifts to us from Jesus, ready for you to hear, ponder, experience and appropriate into your life outlook. If you come to the COS services and/or use devotionals at homes, here’s what the Holy Spirit will present afresh to you . . .

Jesus washes feet. Symbolizing that he’s the one who can really clean you up (of sin and shame) and get you feeling fresh and forward-oriented again. And that Jesus-followers (and eventually leaders) are those who serve and love others.
Jesus feeds and includes. Transforming the Passover for a specific people into a NEW covenantal meal of love for ALL people, Jesus has been hosting a non-stop communion banquet of forgiveness, faith, and family ever since.
Jesus shows that bad behavior of others doesn’t have to knock us off-track. Even though he knows Judas will betray him—leading to his arrest and torture that very night–Jesus keeps focus on his mission. Instead of getting angry, he follows through on establishing love through the meal he will host and the feet he will wash . . . even the feet of Judas. It’s a powerful NEW Command.
Jesus reminds us to pray in order to finish the job. Knowing that tough moments await, Jesus connects with the heavenly Father. Even best friends can fall asleep on us, as Jesus’ friends do in that Garden of Gethsemane. Even Jesus considers quitting. But those post-dinner moments of prayer and presence with his “abba,” equip him with the strength he needs.
Jesus models forgives and generosity of others. Being crucified sounds like a tough time to be magnanimous. But Jesus looks out on the spiritual and political leaders who’ve sentenced him to death and pleads not for vengeance, but forgiveness. “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” While it’s easy to think the worst of others these days, Jesus models that we should think the best of them.
Jesus connects people. In one of his last acts, from the cross Jesus asks his friend John to take care of his mother. And asks his mom to show love to his friend.
Jesus trusts God when all seems terrible. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Such profound moments. Such love shown for us. Such distinguishing acts of what a full and meaningful life can be, even today for you and me.

Yes, it can be a very, very Holy Week for us. You are invited to engage.

Maundy Thursday Service, 6:30 PM
Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 8:00 PM
Easter Vigil Service, 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday Services, 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 AM

Questions of preparation:

Do I have some time today to pick up my Bible today and read for myself one gospel version of the events of Holy Week?
What are my plans for attending Holy Week services at COS?
If I can’t attend services, what can I do to lean into the “holiness” of what Christians world-wide remember this week?
How might I have a conversation with a family member or friend about our thoughts about what Jesus offers us this week?

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz

Let us pray.

“Sovereign God, you have established your rule in the human heart through the servanthood of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, keep us in the joyful procession of those who with their tongues confess Jesus as Lord and with their lives praise him as Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirt, one God now and forever. Amen.” From Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 29