 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Wednesday, April 5, 2023 “Spy” Wednesday Maundy Thursday  “Spy Wednesday” John 13:21-30 Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival.”; or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. Luke (22:3-5) mentions that Judas had already agreed to betray Jesus for a sum of money – and Matthew 26:14-16 tells that story. The gospels agree that it was the night after the supper, when they were in the garden, that Judas came with a crowd of the temple police and others and identified Jesus with a kiss – It is entirely speculative to say why Judas turned on Jesus. Or what he thought would happen afterwards. Perhaps he imagined that it would precipitate a popular revolt against the Romans. There is no reason to think he knew Jesus would be condemned to death. We simply don’t know. But the day’s traditional moniker, “Spy Wednesday” derives from this event. But notice, Jesus did know Judas was going to do it. But he washed his feet, too. And he ate and drank with him anyway. He did not betray Judas, not even to his other friends. He loved Judas. And that, too, matters. Maundy Thursday 6 pm with foot washing and Eucharist at table with a simple soup and bread supper – followed by the stripping of the altar. Good Friday Solemn service at noon – Church will be open from 12-3 pm Easter Day – 10:30 AM -We will begin at 10:30 AM on Easter day with the first part of the Vigil service with the Vigil readings and prayers, and the lighting of the Paschal candle. At the announcement of the Resurrection, we will do as we usually do: tear down the black coverings, reset the table with white, and bring in the flowers, candles and the bread and wine for the Eucharist as the organ plays out the good news. And we will sing. And sing. And sing. There will be a festive coffee hour afterwards.  More about Bettyann Reed She promised her kids she would live to her 80th birthday. It seems she will keep that promise. Bettyann will celebrate her 80th birthday on Easter Sunday! We are all thankful that her surgery was successful, but there will be a long, slow recovery, in rehab in Springfield. Hopefully she will be moved by this weekend. Let’s help her celebrate by sending birthday cards. We will also have some at Church for you to sign Thursday or Friday this week – Bettyann Reed 224 E. Walnut St., Bolivar, MO 65613 Flowers for Easter Day Please remember to bring flowers for the Easter altar on Thursday or Good Friday if possible. You are welcome to bring them Easter morning too – if that is easier for you. They can be cut flowers, potted plants, or flowers from trees or ones from your yard. We love all the variety and colors – Easter lilies are welcome, but NOT necessary!  Our baby trees The spring flooding, then the baking heat of summer, and this very weird winter, haven’t managed to kill off most of the little trees. We have lost some, but more than we have any reason to expect to live are out there putting out little green leaves. Soon they will be taller than any grasses out there in the field. What you did this week This week we received an emergency call from a woman who has been at the women’s domestic violence shelter for some time. She has a job now, and had part of the money saved for her apartment, but she needed to move out of the shelter before her next paycheck. Because of our emergency discretionary fund we were able to pay $260.00 to her new landlord so that she could get settled before Easter. Thank you.   |
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