everything [in] between | finding God in the midst of extremes
The “everything [in] between” series from a Sanctified Art is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Each weekly sub-theme explores two supposed binaries, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” We often consider these ideas to be opposing. However, as we explore these concepts within the scriptures, we find nuance and complexity. We find that these dichotomies are false. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of black and white. We might find that God is present in between.
And so, this season, we invite you to look beyond black and white binaries and easy answers. We encourage you to notice the dichotomies that define our lives, but also imagine where God might be meeting us beyond the categories we create. This theme may resonate with anyone who is in discernment or trying to find their way through an undefined space. It will speak to anyone who feels as if they are living in a divided world. It is for those who seek a spiritual life that engages with complexity instead of avoiding it.
This Lent, we’re trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between.
Worship every Sunday at 10 am and April 6 at 4 pm
Events that you won’t want to miss during Lent and Holy Week at Herndon UMC:
There’s more to come, too. Check back here soon.
Palm Sunday, April 13 | 10 am
Sanctuary & Livestream*
If you were to press your ear up close to this story, you might begin to hear the shouting—from the disciples, crowds, and even the stones. You might hear the singing, the shuffling of feet, the gentle landing of cloaks on the ground. You might hear some of the Pharisees yelling, begging Jesus to silence the uproar. Amidst all the noise, Jesus remains mostly silent and calm. He states that even the stones will not be silenced, which dampens the Pharisees’ complaints. The soundtrack of this scripture may echo our own Palm Sunday worship, which may typically begin with shouts of loud praise and conclude with silence as the beginning of the Passion story unfolds.
Worship at 10 am, in the Sanctuary and on YouTube (live or later).
Wednesday & Thursday, April 16-17 | 5-7 pm
Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross is a self-paced, prayer walk that follows Jesus through Holy Week. This creative, sensory experience has been given a refresh so save 30-45 minutes to come and experience Jesus in a new way. Wednesday or Thursday (4/16 & 17) evenings, 5-7 pm. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Friday, April 18 | Noon
Good Friday Breath Prayer | Zoom*
Take a moment to be with Jesus on this Good Friday. Stop and take a breath in prayer with Pastor Pam. This event will be offered over Zoom. RSVP here to get the link sent to your email or check back here on Good Friday for the link.
Friday, April 18 | 7:30 pm
Good Friday Worship | Sanctuary & Livestream*
Imagine Simon of Cyrene’s experience carrying Jesus’ cross and the perspective of the penitent thief. Listen to the story Jesus’ death (Luke 23:44-46, 48), which is punctuated by sensory experiences. Embody a full spectrum
of emotions between resistance and acceptance as we journey with Christ to the very end.
Saturday, April 19, 2:30-4:30pm
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt & Crafts
Join us for an afternoon of joy, creativity, and community as we prepare our hearts for Easter! Before our Easter Vigil, families are invited to connect with other families, celebrate the season, and share in the excitement of new life and resurrection. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, egg hiding, and craft activities. If you’re available and willing to lend a hand, please contact Jomo Johnson, Director Next Gen Ministries, jomo@herndonumc.org
Pack a dinner or join us for burgers and dogs, and hang out with us as we tell stories around the fire at the Easter Vigil to follow at 5:30 pm.
Saturday, April 19 | 5:30 pm | Outside (Door 2)
Easter Vigil Worship
Bring a chair and sit around the fire for this storytelling worship experience as we keep watch for Easter. A casual, invitational worship experience that is appropriate for all ages.
Easter Sunday is meant to be jubilant, joyful—a chance to begin again in a weary world. And yet, for far too many, grief can feel like a heavy weight tugging at their hearts. For far too many, shame encroaches if they can’t find their way to joy. This Easter, we hope you will make space for grief and joy, mourning and hope, for all these things can coexist. Think about the women who have been with Jesus for the long haul. They’ve absorbed his teachings and witnessed his healings—and they’ve watched his tortuous death, remaining at a safe distance until they could follow him to his tomb. In the wake of death, they do what their faith teaches them to do: they prepare the spices and oil. They plan to anoint the body. And, when dawn breaks, they arrive at the empty tomb steeped in grief.
May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
Easter Sunday, April 20 | 6:15 am
Sunrise Worship | Outside (by the flower cross)
Watch the sunrise. Bring a chair (and maybe a blanket) and join us outside for this early celebration of the open tomb.
Easter Sunday, April 20 | 10 am Worship
Sanctuary & Livestream*
This is the traditional Easter you remember with Holy Communion. Bring your family and neighbors for this Easter worship experience. This service will also be streamed on YouTube.
Bring a flower on Easter Sunday for the flower cross. See how beautiful the cross becomes as we all leave tributes to our risen Lord. This tradition is supported by the Herndon United Women in Faith. They will also have some flowers available.
Lenten Devotional | everything [in] between
This devotional from A Sanctified Art follows the Gospel of Luke as it guides us through this year’s theme, “everything in between.” The devotional offers poems, hymns, artwork and reflections to help us navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed.
Because this is a compilaton from A Sanctified Art, you will need to complete the form linked below to receive the devotional, electronically or on paper. There will be a few copies around church–in the Welcome Centers and in the Prayer Chapel.
Serving and Sharing God’s Love
Through Easter, there are many opportunities to serve and share God’s love in community.
- Food and Love Bags for LINK are available in the Welcome Centers through March 9 when they should be returned with food to be donated to the LINK pantry. The bags will become available again on Palm/Passion Sunday.
- Temporary Overnight Shelter Dinners are scheduled for March 16 and 30.
- The Worship and Fellowship Dinner on March 19 will include dinner sponsored by the Herndon UMC Preschool ministry as a fundraiser for the Preschool Scholarship Fund.
Right after Easter,
- The Wednesday after Easter, on April 23, the Worship and Fellowship Dinner will be a fundraiser for Health Kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
- The Saturday after Easter, on April 26, join the team from 8 am to 3 pm working to help repair the home of a neighbor in need on Herndon UMC’s National Rebuilding Day project with our local chapter of Rebuilding Together.