Christ Church on Quaker Hill is a congregation that values its rich and storied history. But unlike some others churches where the past drives the future, this congregation is also very open to new ideas. They are a people who truly believe God can bring us to new places.
One of our relatively new traditions here is “Fat Sunday”. On the Sunday before Lent begins, our worship service takes on a New Orleans feel. Based on the New Orleans tradition of Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday - we reclaim the Christian roots of this time, to strike a celebratory and thankful note before the more reflective season of Lent begins. There is some great jazz music, the service has a different feel and even the coffee hour will make you think you are in New Orleans.
One of the images that I often think of around this service is that of a traditional New Orleans funeral. Maybe you’ve seen one. On the way to the cemetery the music is sad and somber, acknowledging what is happening in that moment. But then, after they leave the cemetery, the music is raucous and celebratory and triumphant. They celebrate a greater reality – God’s promise of new life.
Lent is a time to look inward and to reflect on Christ and ourselves. But at the same time we have the benefit of knowing that the journey of Lent brings us to the joy of Easter. As we prepare to enter this season of introspection and preparation, we take this particular Sunday to remember that ultimately we are a resurrection people.
This year, for the first time, on the Saturday evening before, we are having an “Evening of Jazz” as a prelude to the Sunday Service. On Saturday, March 5th, beginning at 7:30PM this fundraising event will be an informal evening of some great music, desserts and wonderful fellowship,
Photo attributed to Infrogmation, 1996 under Creative Commons Attribution License 2.5
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