Leaning In
Leaning In
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus struggled in prayer. And Christians have struggled with his prayer ever since! What was he praying for? Was his prayer answered? What do we learn about his nature and his character? What is the role of other people in his prayer? Consequently, we ask the same questions about our prayers. Jesus was, one the hand, engaged in a unique battle that only he could fight. And on the other, he is an example for all of us to follow.
Yet how Jesus engaged in prayer and what example he set for us isn’t so obvious at first. The text is thick and heavy with context, pathos, and trouble. Jesus faces a challenge unique to him and, at the same time, he represents all human beings in their plight. We are in awe of his courage and his vulnerability.
What Jesus shows us is how much trust he has in the Father. That’s where he leans in. And I think he wants us to lean in with him, into a place of trust deeper than even death itself.
I look forward to being with you on Sunday.
Steve E+
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mulching @ The Rectory—Saturday, 9:00am. We’re putting the final touches on the planter project at the front of the Rectory and need a few hands to make the work light; shouldn’t take more than an hour. Bring gloves and “mulching tools” if you can.
Fifth Sunday Potluck—Sunday after worship. Please bring a main dish and (if possible) a side dish or dessert to share. Table service and water will be provided. If you’d like something to drink besides water, bring it (and some to share).
Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm
Good Friday, 7:00pm
Holy Saturday, noon
Easter Sunday, 10:00am
New Music on Easter—We will be singing two new (to us) songs on Easter Sunday. The first is a beautiful setting of the Gloria in Excelsis (listen here) by Steve Williamson, which we will incorporate regularly in our worship toward the end of the service, just before the blessing. The other is a gripping worship song called “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” (listen here).
ADLW Missions Conference and Synod—May 28–30, 2026, McLean, VA
Bishop Julian Episcopal Visitation—Sunday, June 7
Weekly:
Around the Table—A prayer time for women, Thursdays, 9:00am at the Wishart’s. Email Lauren for details.
Youth Formation (ages 10–13)—Sundays at 9:00am in the Rectory apartment (the side of the Rectory nearest the Sanctuary).
Morning Prayer—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00–8:30am on Zoom.
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7:00am @ 1309.
Photo: K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
